IgA nephropathy (patient information)
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What is IgA nephropathy?
Nephropathy refers to damage, disease , or other abnormalities of the kidney. IgA nephropathy is a kidney disorder in which antibodies to a protein called IgA build up in kidney tissue.
What are the symptoms of IgA nephropathy?
There may be no symptoms for many years.
Symptoms include:
- Bloody urine that starts during or soon after a respiratory infection
- Repeated episodes of dark or bloody urine
- Hand and feet swelling
- Symptoms of chronic kidney disease
What are the causes of IgA nephropathy?
IgA is a protein that helps the body fight infections. IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease) occurs when too much of this protein is deposited in the kidneys. IgA builds up inside the small blood vessels of the kidney. Structures in the kidney called glomeruli become inflamed.
IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease) is a form of mesangial proliferative nephritis.
The disorder can appear suddenly (acute), or progress slowly over many years (chronic glomerulonephritis).
Risk factors include:
- A personal or family history of IgA nephropathy or Henoch Schonlein purpura, a form of vasculitis that affects many parts of the body
- Caucasian or Asian ethnicity
IgA nephropathy can occur in persons of all ages, but most often affects males in their teens to late 30s.
Who is at risk for IgA nephropathy?
How to know you have IgA nephropathy?
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.
There are no specific changes seen during a physical examination. Occasionally, blood pressure may be high or swelling of the body may be present.
Tests include:
- Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to measure kidney function
- Urinalysis will show blood and protein in the urine
- Kidney biopsy confirms the diagnosis
- Urine immunoelectrophoresis
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for IgA nephropathy
Directions to Hospitals Treating IgA nephropathy