Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that affects numerous organs, including the body. SLE can cause inflammation of the kidney and a subsequent rise in blood pressure damages the normal filtering process of the kidney. This backup in the system results in the accumulation of fluid and waste products in the body, causing azotemia and eventually uremia. Azotemia refers to the buildup of nitrogen waste products in the blood, while uremia is the state of ill health that results from progressive renal failure. The damage to the blood vessels in the kidney accounts for the blood and protein that can be detected in the urine of SLE patients.