How Does ACE Inhibitor (ACEI) Treat IgA Nephropathy

IgA Nephropathy is an autoimmune kidney disorder that occurs as a consequence of deposits of the protein IgA within the kidney filtering units called glomeruli. ACE inhibitor is proven to have a beneficial influence of slowing down the progression of IgA Nephropathy. How does ACE inhibitor (ACEI) treat IgA Nephropathy? What are its side effects?

In the early stage, IgA Nephropathy usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. However, over time, about 25% of adults who have IgA Nephropathy develop total kidney failure, while only 5% to 10% of children with this disease develop kidney failure. In this progression, high blood pressure is one of most common complications that can accelerate the rate of IgA Nephropathy developing renal failure. In view of this, ACEI is needed urgently.

How does ACEI treat IgA Nephropathy?

ACEI, one anti-hypertensive agent, is commonly used to low kidney disease patients’ high blood pressure, because it can help not only low hypertension but also protect kidney function. A study in the June Journal of the American Society of Nephrology shows for young patients with IgA Nephropathy, early treatment with ACE inhibitor can reduce the long-term risk of irreversible kidney damage, that is to say, ACEI is able to slow down the progression of IgA Nephropathy developing kidney failure. However, ACEI, as one western medicine, still has some side effects.

The side effects of ACEI

● Low blood pressure

● Feel dizzy for more than five to ten minutes when you wake up in the morning

● Transient proteinuria and high potassium level

● Swelling in your lips or throat

● Headache, cough, fever, itchy skin or allergic dermatitis

● Hair loss, male breast development or teras

If you have one or more side effects the above mentioned, you had better tell your doctor or us so that we can lower your dose or change your medicine to treat your condition better.

At present, only depending on ACE inhibitor may not treat IgA Nephropathy as well as we expect, because it does little for the damaged kidney function. To increase the effect of ACEI, some other medicines may also be added to help improve patients’ kidney function. If you have any confusion, you can leave a message to us.