Treatment For IgA Nephropathy In 4 Year Old Children Nephrotic Syndrome

My child is now 4 years old, he has been diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, the doctor said it is nephrotic syndrome form. what are the treatments for my child?
IgA nephropathy is the most common type of glomerulonephritis (which means the renal glomeruli are damaged and scarred and parts of renal glomerular functions are lost). It can occur to both adults and children. Children patients with IgA nephropathy can have the symptoms of hematuria, proteinuria, abdominal pain, flank pain, fatigue, skin itching, etc.

IgA nephropathy is also called Berger’s disease since it was first described by Jean Berger in 1968. When it develops into the latter stage and when most kidney functions are lost, the diseased children will develop symptoms of end stage renal failure such as hypertension, edema, cramps, insomnia, etc.

IgA nephropathy is not easy to cure, therefore it is very necessary to have early diagnosis and early treatments so as to reduce the children’s pains and suffering and have a good prognosis.

Treatments for children IgA nephropathy include the following aspects including ACEI, ARB, corticosteroids, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, methylprednosolone, omega-3 fatty acids, Chinese medicines and immunotherapy.

ACEI and ARB

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blocker are often the first choice to treat high blood pressure and proteinuria. These drugs can help control hypertension, reduce protein in urine, slow illness progression and protect kidney functions.

Hormones and immunosuppressants

Methylprednosolone, corticosteroids, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil belong to hormones and immunosuppressive agents. Which are often prescribed by the doctors to treat swelling, proteinuria, hematuria in IgA nephropathy. They usually need large dosage and long term use; the curative effects are usually quick and obvious. But the disadvantage is that they can not solve the root problem so the disease is easy to relapse and illness conditions will become even worse after each relapse.

Hormones and immunosuppressants will cause many side effects and complications to the children, therefore it is not an ideal treatment.

Chinese medicines

Chinese medicines can treat swelling, high blood pressure, hematuria and proteinuria without causing side effects as that of hormones and immunosuppressant. But the drawback is that Chinese medicines usually take relatively longer time to take effects.

Immunotherapy

It is the combination of Chinese medicines and western medicines, so the curative effects are much enhanced. At the same time, it is natural, safe and comfortable, therefore it is very suitable for children.

Omega-3 fatty acids

The supplement of omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce proteinuria.

Since before the onset of IgA nephropathy, children often have upper respiratory tract infections, therefore tonsillectomy can help a lot for some children.

For more information for your loverly child, you can leave us a message or email to kidneycares@hotmail.com, our experts will give you a quick reply.