IgA Nephropathy

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IgA Nephropathy

Overview

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OverviewOverview

IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger's disease, is a chronic kidney disease that occurs when the antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA) builds up in the kidneys. This buildup causes inflammation and damages kidney tissues. Over time, IgA nephropathy can lead to kidney dysfunction and sometimes, kidney failure.

First identified by Dr. Jean Berger in the late 1960s, IgA nephropathy is one of the more common forms of glomerulonephritis globally. Despite its prevalence, the condition is still not well understood, making it a subject of ongoing research and clinical interest.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing IgA nephropathy. While anyone can get this disease, certain populations are more at risk due to genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Age: It is most commonly diagnosed in teens and people in their 20s.
Gender: Males are more likely to develop IgA nephropathy.
Genetics: A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Certain Ethnicities: People of Asian and Caucasian descent have higher rates of the disease.

Causes

The exact cause of IgA nephropathy is not completely understood. Several theories suggest that it might be linked to genetic factors, immune system abnormalities, or environmental triggers.

Genetic predisposition: Mutations or alterations in genes may play a role.
Immune system issues: Abnormal IgA proteins or immune system responses.
Environmental triggers: Infections or certain pollutants could act as catalysts.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of IgA nephropathy can vary widely from person to person. For some individuals, the disease may go unnoticed for years, while others may experience significant symptoms early on.

Common signs and symptoms include:

Blood in the urine (hematuria), which may appear as cola or tea-colored.
Protein in the urine (proteinuria).
High blood pressure (hypertension).
Swelling in the hands and feet (edema).
Frequent or urgent urination, especially at night.

Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosing IgA nephropathy typically involves a series of tests and procedures aimed at assessing kidney function and identifying the presence of IgA deposits.

Urine tests: To check for blood and protein in the urine.
Blood tests: To assess kidney function by measuring waste products like creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
Kidney biopsy: The definitive test, where a small piece of kidney tissue is examined under a microscope to detect IgA deposits.
Imaging tests: Such as ultrasound, to assess kidney size and structure.

Treatments

There is no cure for IgA nephropathy, but treatment can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved 2 agents to reduce proteinuria in adults with IgA nephropathy at risk of rapid disease progression: a targeted-release formulation of the corticosteroid budesonide (Tarpeyo), and sparsentan (Filspari), a dual angiotensin II and endothelin-1 receptor antagonist. Other treatment options often focus on controlling blood pressure, reducing proteinuria, and managing kidney inflammation.

Medications: Such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).
Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation.
Immunosuppressive drugs: In certain severe cases.
Dietary changes: Low-sodium and low-protein diets may be recommended.
Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Tips and Extra Resources

Living with IgA Nephropathy can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to improve your quality of life and manage the condition effectively.