IgA Nephropathy
In this condition factsheet:
The Facts on IgA Nephropathy
IgA nephropathy, also called Berger's disease, is a kidney disorder that causes inflammation of the glomeruli, the individual filtering units of the kidney that produce urine.
The inflammation is produced by a buildup of a substance called immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the kidneys. IgA is a type of antibody manufactured by the immune system. When the body is unable to filter the urine, it can't excrete body wastes or eliminate excess fluid from the bloodstream. IgA nephropathy leads to renal (kidney) failure and other related complications. It may be acute (attacking quickly and suddenly) or chronic.
IgA nephropathy often strikes in the teen or early adult years, but may occur at any age. It affects more males than females.
Causes of IgA Nephropathy
No one knows what causes IgA nephropathy. Right now, researchers do know that having a family member with the disorder increases the risk of developing it. As well, there may be a connection between IgA nephropathy and Henoch-Schönlein purpura, a form of inflammation of the blood vessels that is more common in children.
Symptoms and Complications of IgA Nephropathy
The kidneys play three major roles in regulating the body:
- They filter urine to remove wastes from the body, keeping toxins from building up in the bloodstream.
- They regulate the minerals or electrolytes (sodium, calcium, and potassium, for example) and the levels of fluid in the body.
- They produce hormones that control other body functions such as blood pressure, bone maintenance, and the production of red blood cells.
A common symptom of IgA nephropathy is dark or bloody urine, especially following a bout of physical stress such as a cold.
IgA nephropathy is not always a progressive illness. In many cases, people with IgA nephropathy remain stable, do not develop kidney failure, and are able to have their symptoms treated effectively.
Doctors have found that about 25% of those with IgA nephropathy develop chronic kidney failure that progresses to end-stage kidney failure.
Symptoms of end-stage kidney failure include:
- confusion
- decreased urination
- fatigue
- headache
- high blood pressure
- itchy skin
- loss of appetite
- muscle twitching or cramping
- nausea and vomiting
- nosebleeds
- puffy eyes, hands, and feet (called edema)
- shortness of breath
- thirst
- weight loss
- a yellowish-brown tint to the skin
