IgA Nephritis

Overview

IgA nephropathy is a kidney disorder characterized by blood in the urine. It is also sometimes called Buerger's disease - after the doctor who first identified the condition. Berger's disease usually occurs in children and others under the age of 30. It affects more men than women. One in 5 patients eventually develops kidney failure.

Causes


The kidneys filter toxic waste products out of the blood and expel them as urine. In people with IgA nephropathy, an overabundance of antibodies - which normally serve the body well by helping fight infections - damage the kidney's tiny filtering units or glomeruli. Why this happens is not fully understood. Scientists suspect a possible genetic link as the disease shows up more often in certain families and in specific geographical areas.

Symptoms

The hallmark of Buerger's disease is blood in the urine, although it may only be visible under a microscope. Another common symptom is swollen hands and feet. Later symptoms may include:

  • protein in the urine
  • low back pain
  • increased need to urinate, especially at night
  • high blood pressure
  • fatigue
  • nausea

Treatment

Initially, treatment is aimed at slowing the progression of kidney damage by limiting the amount of protein in the diet and controlling hypertension (high blood pressure) with medications, typically ACE inhibitors. Your doctor may also recommend fish oil supplements as studies have shown this slows the loss of kidney function. For those who develop kidney failure, dialysis or a kidney transplant are the only options.