Could this be early signs of lupus nephritis?

I'm not sure.

One of our moderators had it a while back. She should be able to answer your questions better than me.

She fought it for sometime and eventually had a transplant. But you can go in remission.

Hi Amy! Thanks for the reply. All my other kidney numbers are in range. My bun is 11 ( range 6-24) and albumin is 4.2 ( range 3.5-5.5). No RBC in blood only trace wbc esterace.
I have not had a kidney biopsy. I see my rheumatologist soon. I was mostly concerned with direction some of the numbers were heading. Is a drop in egfr like that reason they may do biopsy? Wondering if they will want to biopsy..Does this appear to be possible beginnings of nephritis. I don't want to miss an opportunity to catch it early.

If you were me, would you push for biopsy? i am anxious to hear what rheumatologist says. I could be making something out of nothing. Any advice or questions you would suggest I ask. I don't know much about kidneys. We all will have honorary medical degrees with all we have to learn. Thank you so much. I can deal with most things as long as I understand them. It is not understanding that makes me crazy.
Hope you are well. It sounds like you had long road with it, but doing well. Take care.

Sorry, I misunderstood when you said you had it awhile back! I thought you were talking about lupus nephritis. The only way that can be diagnosed correctly is through a biopsy!

A creatinine of 1.06 is normal and not to worry about and adding the BUN, albumin, and no RBC, minimal WBC makes things sound pretty good! I would think you could have been slightly dehydrated or had a high protein meal (to link the little protein you did) now if that protein level gets to a gram (1000) or higher...I would start getting concerned! Otherwise to be honest, I would not worry :)!

Of course I am no doctor and going on my personal experience, please let us know what your rhuemy says!! I personally love Imuran and is one of the transplant drugs I am on BUT if rhuemy suspects renal issues based on other labs they might recommend cellcept or myphortic as they tend to treat lupus nephritis more efficiently!

Do you have any other questions?

Best to see a nephrologist if you suspect kidney involvement. I had it and diagnosis was confirmed by a biopsy. Meds got things under control and I have been fine for 11 years and I will continue to take them forever at low doses.

Link that gives information about LN with a short list of symptoms.

http://www.webmd.com/lupus/lupus-nephritis

Also:

https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/gfr

Bill