Skip navigation
MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You U.S. National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health
Contact Us FAQs Site Map About MedlinePlus
español Home Health Topics Drug Information Medical Encyclopedia Dictionary News Directories Other Resources

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

IgA nephropathy (Berger’s disease)

Printer-friendly versionEmail this page to a friend
Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Male urinary system
Male urinary system

Alternative names    Return to top

Nephropathy - IgA; Berger's disease

Definition    Return to top

IgA nephropathy is a kidney disorder characterized by blood in the urine. It is caused by inflammation of internal kidney structures and the deposit of IgA antibodies in kidney tissue.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors    Return to top

IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease) is a form of mesangial proliferative nephritis. Structures in the kidney called glomeruli become inflamed, and a type of antibody called IgA deposits in the kidney. The disorder can appear as acute, rapidly progressive, or chronic glomerulonephritis, or as visible or microscopic blood in the urine.

IgA nephropathy usually is discovered after one or more episodes of dark or bloody urine in a person with no other symptoms of kidney disorder. Bloody urine may begin during or soon after a respiratory infection. Acute nephritic syndrome or nephrotic syndrome (groups of symptoms associated with decreased kidney functioning) may result.

Risk factors include having a personal or family history of IgA nephropathy or Henoch Schonlein purpura (a form of vasculitis that affects many parts of the body, and may cause a kidney lesion that is identical to the lesion of Berger's disease).

IgA nephropathy can occur in persons of all ages, but most often affects males in their teens to late 30s.

Symptoms    Return to top

Signs and tests    Return to top

There are no specific changes seen from a physical examination. Occasionally, blood pressure may be elevated or swelling of the body may be present.

Treatment    Return to top

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent or delay of chronic renal failure.

Antihypertensive medications and diuretics may be given to control high blood pressure and edema. Control of blood pressure is the most important measure to delay renal damage. Sodium (salt) and fluids may be restricted to control swelling. A low- to moderate-protein diet may be recommended in some cases.

The use of ACE inhibitors is key to preventing the progression of this disease.

Support Groups    Return to top

For additional information and supprt, see the IgA Nephropathy Support Network website (www.igansupport.org).

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

IgA nephropathy progresses slowly. In many cases, it does not progress at all. High blood pressure, large quantities of protein in the urine, and increased BUN or creatinine levels (blood tests that reflect kidney functioning) indicate a higher risk for progression of the disorder.

About 25% of people with IgA nephropathy develop end-stage kidney failure within about 25 years.

Complications    Return to top

Calling your health care provider    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have bloody urine or if your urine output decreases.

Update Date: 10/17/2003

Updated by: Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

adam.com logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.