IgA Nephropathy: Cause, Symptoms, Prognosis And Treatment

Recently many patients consult us online about the causes, symptoms, treatments and prognosis of IgA nephropathy. Let’s give an overall introduction of IgA nephropathy so that patients can learn more about this auto-immune kidney disease. When we know more about the disease, we will not be so scared and worried by its symptoms and we will know how to treat the disease and achieve a better prognosis.

The underlying cause of IgA nephropathy

IgA nephropathy is also known as Berger’s disease. The root cause is immune disorder. As a result, immune complex will form and stay in the body instead of being discharged. These immune complexes will circulation with the blood and deposit in the kidneys and other organs and tissues. The deposition of immune complex in the kidneys will induce abnormal inflammatory reactions. Gradually, renal functional cells and tissues will be impaired and kidney functions will be damaged.

Symptoms of IgA nephropathy

It can cause proteinuria, hematuria, high blood pressure, hypertension and renal dysfunction or even lead to renal failure. Proteinuria and hematuria often occur hours or 1-2 days after infections such as upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections.

Factors that affect the prognosis of IgAN

Many factors can affect the patient’s prognosis. In case of the following conditions, the prognosis is not very good.

·elderly patients

·persistent microscopic hematuria with proteinuria

·renal dysfunction

·high blood pressure especially refractory hypertension that can not be controlled with medicines

The prognosis of IgA nephropathy has great individual differences. Some patients can have complete clinical remission while some patients will develop chronic renal failure.

Treatment options for IgA nephropathy

Treatment for IgA nephropathy should aim at relieving symptoms, controlling complications, protecting kidney functions and slowing down illness progression.

·steroids such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, etc.

·cyclophosphamide

·cellcept

·diuretics

·high blood pressure drugs such as ACEI, ARB

·Chinese medicines

·avoid catching cold and infections, avoid over-tiredness and have good rest especially during the episodes of the disease

·tonsillectomy can help relieve proteinuria and hematuria if patients have frequent tonsillitis