By the numbers: New math model may help lupus patients avoid invasive tests

Dear Reader, I'm always pleased to hear about ways to reduce unnecessarily invasive (and potentially harmful) medical testing. That's why I was excited to read about a new technique that may be able to lessen the need for invasive biopsies in patients with lupus. It's not that well known, but kidney damage is a common complication of lupus. And doctors keep tabs on it by performing regular biopsies. Not exactly a walk in the park. Which is what makes this new development so exciting. Researchers have figured out a way to use mathematical equations to determine when nephritis (kidney inflammation) is progressing to a more dangerous condition known as interstitial fibrosis, which is irreversible scarring in the kidney. This mathematical model can detect the extent of kidney damage, and predict how it might react to different therapies. Successful management of kidney function is absolutely crucial for people with lupus, and this new model will help make that process easier...and eliminate unnecessary invasive procedures. There's a bit of testing left to be done on this model before it's available to the public, so I'll keep you updated on that. But in the meantime, there's another reason why I'm bringing this up... If you have lupus, you have some control over managing it (and, in turn, protecting your kidney function). I've written countless times about vitamin D. And one of the biggest benefits of this tried-and-true, desert-island supplement is that it can minimize the impact of autoimmune disorders--including lupus. I recommend at least 2,000 to 5,000 IU per day. (Though some people may require as much as 10,000 IU daily.) I also urge you to have your vitamin D levels monitored regularly to make sure you're getting enough (blood levels should be between 80 and 100). For more ways to rein in autoimmune disorders like lupus, you can refer back to last month's issue of my Logical Health Alternatives newsletter. Subscribers can download and view it for free at www.drpescatore.com. And if you're not already a subscriber...well, now's the perfect time to become one.