IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease)

IgA nephropathy, first described by Berger and

Hinglais in 1968 so known as Berger’s disease it is
the most prevalent primary chronic glomerular
disease worldwide occurs when IgA deposits build
up in the kidneys, causing inflammation that
damages kidney tissues. In other words, it’s an
immune-complex–mediated glomerulonephritis
IgA is an antibody—a protein made by the immune
system to protect the body from foreign substances
Although primary IgA nephropathy was considered
a benign condition for many years, it is now clear
that a large number of cases eventually progress to
renal failure. Indeed, IgA nephropathy is the main
cause of end-stage renal disease in patients with
primary
glomerular disease who requires renal-replacement
The causes of IgAN are not well understood. IgAN is
not just a kidney disease. It is a response from
immune system to outside irritation. The immune
response is what affects kidneys. The immune
response releases (IgA). IgA nephropathy occurs
when IgA protein gets stuck in kidneys causing
inflammation. The inflammation causes kidneys to
leak blood and protein (usually immediately) and
over the course of many years, kidneys can lose
function and lead to kidney failure but there are
some potential causes such as
1. Genetics; Scientists have recently found several
genetic markers that may play a role in the
development of the disease.
2. Infections; may also be related to respiratory or
intestinal infections and the immune system’s
response to these infections.
3. environmental factors;
4. abnormality of the IgA1 molecule;
IgAN symptoms and indicators can change from
person to person. Certain indicators you may only
see on your own, while others may only be
discovered by your healthcare professional.
The most typical symptoms include
1. Hematuria: The presence of blood in the
urine, which can occasionally turn it cola or
dark brown.
2. Proteinuria: Foamy urine as a result of
significant protein leakage.
1. pain below the ribs on one or both back sides
Between 20 to 40 percent of persons with IgA
nephropathy go on to acquire end-stage kidney
disease after 10 to 20 years. There are 5 potential
indicators and symptoms of end-stage renal disease
2. blood pressure is high.
3. hardly any urinating
4. Edema, fatigue, widespread sleepiness, itching, or
numbness
5. headaches with dry skin
6. slim down
7. appetite decline
8. nausea\vomiting
9. issues with sleep
10. difficulty concentrating
11. muscular spasms and discolored skin
A health care provider diagnoses kidney disease
with
1. a medical and family history
2. a physical exam
3. urine tests
4. a blood tests
Medical and Family History; Taking a medical and
family history may help a health care provider
diagnose kidney disease.
Physical Exam; A physical exam may help diagnose
kidney disease. During a physical exam, a health
care provider usually
1. measures the patient’s blood pressure
2. examines the patient’s body for swelling
Urine test: A urine test will help find protein and
blood in your urine
Blood test: A blood test will help find levels of
protein, cholesterol, and wastes in your blood.
How is IgA kidney disease identified?
Since blood and urine tests are currently unreliable
for diagnosing IgA nephropathy, a kidney biopsy is
necessary in order to make the diagnosis.
During a kidney biopsy, a small sample of kidney
tissue is removed for microscopic examination. In a
hospital or outpatient facility, a medical
professional performs a kidney biopsy under light
sedation and a local anesthetic.
The doctor guides the biopsy needle into the kidney
using imaging methods like
1. ultrasound
2. computed tomography scan.
The kidney tissue is examined under a microscope
by a pathologist The IgA deposits in the glomeruli
can only be seen with a biopsy. The extent of the
kidney injury can also be determined by the biopsy.
The results of the biopsy can aid the medical
professional in selecting the most appropriate
course of action.
IgA nephropathy does not currently have a specific
treatment. The kidneys cannot be restored after
they have scarred. Hence, preventing or delaying
kidney disease in its last stages is the main objective
of treatment for IgA nephropathy. Medication
prescriptions by healthcare professionals
1. regulate blood pressure and halt renal disease
progression in a person;
Two types of blood pressure-lowering medications
are used
• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
• angiotensin receptor blockers
have proven effectiveness in slowing the
progression of kidney disease.
NOTE; Many people require two or more
medications to control their blood pressure.
 2. manage one's immune system; Medication is
occasionally used by medical professionals to
manage a patient's immune system. Since the
immune system's natural response is
inflammation, regulating the immune system can
reduce inflammation. The following medicines
are among those that doctors may recommend:
• corticosteroids, such as prednisone
• cyclophosphamide
3. remove excess fluid from the circulation;
health care provider may prescribe a diuretic, a
medication that helps the kidneys remove extra
fluid from the blood. Removing the extra fluid can
improve the control of blood pressure
NOTE; Taking a diuretic along with an ACE inhibitor
or an ARB often increases the effectiveness of these
medications.
4. the reduction of blood cholesterol levels;
IgA nephropathy patients may experience excessive
blood cholesterol levels. Blood cholesterol levels
can be lowered in those who take medication for
high blood cholesterol. Statins are a class of drugs
used to decrease cholesterol that a doctor may
recommend.