(Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy; Berger’s Disease)
Definition
Definition
IgA nephropathy is a disorder of the kidney. It may start with minor changes in the kidneys, but it can lead to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
Anatomy of the KidneyCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
IgA nephropathy is caused by a buildup of the IgA protein in the kidneys. IgA proteins help the body fight infections. There are more of these proteins when you have an infection like the cold or flu.
The protein buildup can damage the filters of the kidneys. These filters are needed to clean the blood as it passes through. If the filters are damaged, then the kidneys are not able to clean the blood. Minor damage to the filters will not cause any changes. Major damage will worsen your health. IgA nephropathy can also cause some blood and protein to leak into the urine.
Genetics may play a role in the buildup of IgA proteins in the kidney.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that increase may your chance of IgA nephropathy include:
gastrointestinal such as cirrhosis, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease infectious disease such as HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis pulmonary disease such as bronchiolitis obliterans, small cell lung cancer lymphoma dermatitis herpetiformis seronegative arthritis
- Family history
- Gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Henoch schoenlein purpura
Symptoms
Symptoms
Early stages of IgA nephropathy rarely have symptoms.
The first sign of IgA nephropathy is often blood in the urine. It often occurs after an infection like a cold. Small amounts of blood in the urine may only be detected with a test. Larger amounts of blood in the urine can make the urine a pink or cola color.
Later stage symptoms may also include:
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Repeated upper respiratory infections
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Fever
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include:
- Urine tests
- Blood tests
- Biopsy
Treatment
Treatment
There is no cure for IgA nephropathy. The goal of treatment is to slow damage to the kidneys. Your doctor will also make a plan to manage related symptoms, such as high blood pressure.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Medications
Depending on your symptoms and overall health, your doctor may suggest:
- Medications to help control blood pressure and decrease protein loss in the urine
- Cholesterol lowering medication
- Corticosteroids to decrease inflammation in the body
- Medications to suppress the immune system
Dietary Changes
Your doctor may recommend certain changes to your diet. The changes will depend on your overall health and your kidney function. Some changes may include:
-
Controlling protein in the diet by limiting or avoiding:
- Most meats and dairy products
- Gluten—protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats
- Controlling salt in the diet
- Dietary changes to manage blood cholesterol levels
Your doctor may recommend certain supplements like fish oil. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplements.
Lifestyle Changes
Exercise can help with overall health. It can also help manage cholesterol and blood pressure.
Don’t smoke. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about how to successfully quit.
Kidney Support
Dialysis takes over the job of the kidneys if they are not able to work well. It cannot cure the kidney damage, but it will help you feel better and decrease symptoms like high blood pressure.
A kidney transplant may be needed when illness has progressed and the kidneys have failed.
Prevention
Prevention
The cause of IgA nephropathy is not clear, so there are no known steps to prevent it.
Tell your doctor if you have a family history of IgA nephropathy. You and your doctor can watch for signs of the disease and manage issues like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases http://www.niddk.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Foundation for IgA Nephropathy http://www.igan.ca
References:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated June 25, 2013. Accessed August 9, 2013.
IgA nephropathy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/kidney-disease/iga-nephropathy/Pages/facts.aspx
Updated September 2, 2010. Accessed August 9, 2013.
IgA nephropathy. National Kidney Foundation website. Available at: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/iganeph. Accessed August 9, 2013.
Last Updated: 5/28/2014