This bonus episode features a conversation about lupus nephritis between rheumatologist Dr. Irene Blanco and Shanika Chuying, a person living with the disease. Lupus nephritis causes inflammation of the small blood vessels that filter waste in the kidneys and is one of the most common yet dangerous complications of lupus. Half of all Americans living with lupus will at some point develop lupus nephritis and up to 3 out of 10 people with lupus nephritis will develop kidney failure within 15 years of their diagnosis. Dr. Blanco and Shanika will discuss the facts about diagnosis and treatment of the disease as well as clear up some common misconceptions.

In this episode you will hear from Irene Blanco, M.D., M.S., a professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Associate Dean for Office of Diversity Enhancement. She specializes in the treatment of people with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus. You will also hear from Shanika Chuying, a person living with lupus nephritis.

For more information on lupus and lupus nephritis, visit kidney.org/atoz/content/lupus. You can find a full transcript of the conversation at kidney.org/doctor-patient-dialogue.