Global Survey from World Lupus Federation Finds Nearly Half of People with Lupus Report Kidney Involvement

New data highlights urgent need for improved education and diagnosis of lupus nephritis (lupus-related kidney disease), a serious complication of lupus

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A global survey conducted by the World Lupus Federation reveals that 47% of people living with lupus report kidney involvement, which leads to a critical and under-recognized complication known as lupus nephritis (lupus-related kidney disease). More than 43% of respondents reported having little or no knowledge about lupus nephritis, however, 85% of respondents also reported experiencing one or more symptoms associated with lupus nephritis. The survey findings underscore significant gaps in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of lupus nephritis, a potentially life-threatening condition that disproportionately affects people during their most active years of life.

Lupus nephritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the kidneys, leading to inflammation and possibly to long-term organ damage, including kidney failure, if left untreated. Although most cases of lupus nephritis begin within five years of a lupus diagnosis, nearly one in five survey respondents who self-report having symptoms of kidney involvement have not been told by a doctor they have lupus nephritis.

In its early stages, the symptoms of lupus nephritis can go unnoticed. More than half of the respondents reported little or no knowledge of common symptoms of lupus nephritis (53%), when it is important to be screened (54%), and what tests are done to screen for lupus nephritis (57%). Symptoms of lupus nephritis include fluid retention leading to weight gain, swelling, an increase in urination (especially at night), blood in the urine, foamy appearance of the urine, and high blood pressure.

"These findings reveal a troubling reality—many people with lupus are living with kidney complications they don't fully understand or even know they have," said Louise Vetter, President & CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America. "Early diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment are essential for protecting kidney health and preventing long-term damage. We must act urgently to close these knowledge gaps and improve education of common symptoms and proper monitoring of the kidneys, in addition to improved care across the globe. As we recognize World Lupus Day on May 10, this is a moment to rally together, raise our voices, and fight for better outcomes for everyone living with lupus."

Additional key findings include:

• 74% of survey respondents who stated that their kidneys were not impacted by lupus reported one or more common symptoms of lupus nephritis, with an average of 1.5 symptoms.
• 3 in 10 respondents with lupus nephritis reported little or no knowledge of the condition.
• 59% of those with lupus nephritis reported having been hospitalized because of it.
• More than one third (36%) of those reporting a lupus nephritis diagnosis have not had a kidney biopsy—the gold standard for diagnosing lupus nephritis.
• Of those with lupus nephritis who have not had a kidney biopsy, 54% of them reported they were hesitant to have the procedure.

More than 3,260 people with lupus from 84 countries completed the 25-question survey administered in March 2025. The World Lupus Federation is releasing these survey results in the lead-up to World Lupus Day on May 10 to spotlight the urgent need for greater awareness, education, improved screening, and timely treatment of lupus and lupus nephritis.

The World Lupus Federation urges individuals, organizations, and healthcare providers worldwide to use this data to inform lupus education and awareness efforts, and to share facts about lupus, including from this survey, and raise awareness using the official World Lupus Day Toolkit.

For further survey details, view the topline visual summary and detailed survey results.

About the World Lupus Federation:

The World Lupus Federation (WLF) is a coalition of more than 200 lupus patient organizations, united to improve the quality of life for the approximately 5 million people around the world who are affected by lupus. Through coordinated efforts among its members, the Federation works to expand global initiatives that create greater awareness and understanding of lupus, provide education and services to people living with the disease and advocate on their behalf. The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) co-founded the WLF with Lupus Europe in 2015 and the LFA currently serves as the Secretariat of the Federation.

MEDIA CONTACT

Mike Donnelly
World Lupus Federation
donnelly@lupus.org

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Global Survey from World Lupus Federation Finds Nearly Half of People with Lupus Report Kidney Involvement

SYDNEY, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With cherry season in full swing and families making the most of the summer school holidays, road trips and short getaways remain a popular way for Australians to travel together.

Tapping into this seasonal moment, Chery has launched Chery Cherry Trails, a state-by-state guide to cherry-inspired road trips across Australia, designed to help families and food lovers turn simple day trips or overnight escapes into memorable summer adventures.

Designed as relaxed, flexible journeys rather than long holidays, Chery Cherry Trails showcase the diversity of Australia's cherry-growing regions and the local experiences that surround them. From pick your own orchards and farm gate stalls to wineries, bakeries and regional towns, each trail celebrates the simple pleasure of getting out on the road and exploring closer to home.

Chery is one of Australia's fastest-growing car brands, with a range of vehicles designed to suit Aussie roadtrips and family travel. Built for long distances and varied conditions, Chery vehicles combine comfort, space and advanced hybrid technology to make road trips and short getaways easy and enjoyable.

Cherry season in Australia stretches through to late summer, with different regions producing fruit at different times depending on climate and elevation. As a result, many orchards continue to offer fresh cherries, farm gate sales and seasonal produce experiences beyond peak harvest, making these trails just as appealing for food lovers as for hands-on pickers.

For those who love the taste of cherries but prefer not to pick their own, the trails are designed to be just as rewarding. Many stops focus on tasting, buying and enjoying cherries alongside other local produce, turning each journey into a foodie led road trip rather than a single activity.

Chery Cherry Trails by state include:

• New South Wales: A scenic loop from Sydney through the Southern Tablelands and Central West, taking in regions such as Young, Mudgee and Orange. These areas are known for family-run orchards, cellar doors and village markets, with routes that move through varied landscapes and historic country towns
• Victoria: A one-to-two-day escape from Melbourne into the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, where orchards sit alongside wineries, cafés and local producers. The mix of elevations means cherry experiences and fresh produce are available across much of the summer period
• Queensland: A short break from Brisbane to the Granite Belt around Stanthorpe, a cooler climate region where small-scale growers combine cherries with broader farm gate and market experiences. The trail pairs food stops with national park scenery and relaxed regional towns
• South Australia: A one-to-two-day itinerary through the Adelaide Hills and surrounding regions, where cherries are grown across a range of microclimates. The trail blends orchard visits with scenic drives, historic villages and wine regions, making it ideal for a weekend escape
• Western Australia: A longer southwest road trip from Perth through orchard country, including Donnybrook, Manjimup and Pemberton. These routes pass through forest landscapes and agricultural regions where cherries are part of a broader local produce offering
• Tasmania: A two-to-three-day journey from Hobart through the Coal River Valley and into the north of the state, taking in historic towns, family-run orchards and cool climate growing regions. Tasmania's later season means cherry-related experiences continue well into the summer months

While cherry season runs through summer, orchard opening days and times vary, so travellers are encouraged to check ahead before setting off.

For Chery, the initiative is about celebrating everyday Australian moments, from spontaneous road trips to discovering regional towns and local producers and encouraging people to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

ABOUT CHERY

Chery Australia is a leading automotive brand recognised globally for its commitment to innovation, style, and performance. With a rich history spanning over two decades, Chery has established itself as a pioneer in the industry. Known for producing technologically advanced and visually striking vehicles, Chery offers a diverse range of models that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. Each Chery vehicle embodies the brand's passion for pushing boundaries and redefining the driving experience. 
For more details on Chery visit www.cherymotor.com.au or Instagram @cheryaustralia  

 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Chery gives Aussie families one last summer road trip with Chery Cherry Trails