IgA nephropathy
Evidence: Immune-mediated
Names
IgA nephropathy
Berger’s Disease
Description
A kidney disease that occurs when the antibody immunoglobulin A lodges in the kidneys. In IgA nephropathy, the antibodies do not attack tissue directly, but they do cause inflammation that can inhibit the kidneys’ ability to filter wastes from the blood over time.
ARI classifies IgA nephropathy as immune-related, not autoimmune.
Patient Groups
Bloggers
None found specifically on IgA nephropathy.
Prevalence
US Cases: 10,000 - 15,000 [Schena 2018]
Typical Age of onset
IgA Nephropathy typically affects young adults, but can also occur in children and the elderly.
Symptoms
● Cola or tea-colored urine
● Repeated episodes of cola or tea-colored urine, sometimes even visible blood in the urine, normally during or after an upper-respiratory or other type of infection
● Pain in the side(s) of the back below the ribs (flank)
● Swelling of the hands and feet
● High blood pressure
