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Alternative names Return to top
Nephropathy - IgA; Berger's diseaseDefinition 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.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |