IgA nephropathy – A common kidney condition

The Berger’s disease, also known as IgA nephropathy, is a chronic kidney disease that is common among young adults and can lead to kidney failure in many cases. The disease affects men significantly more often than women. The main symptom is hematuria, which may be accompanied by pain in the kidneys and groin. Symptoms often appear after a viral infection and then resolve on their own.

The essence of the disease is that the filtering units of the kidneys, the glomeruli, are damaged, leading to a decline in kidney function. IgA nephropathy is particularly serious, as some patients may experience end-stage kidney failure requiring renal replacement therapy within 25 years of diagnosis. The underlying causes of the condition are not yet fully understood, but some experts consider it an autoimmune disease.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The main symptom of IgA nephropathy is hematuria, which indicates damage to the renal glomeruli. In the early stages of the disease, symptoms are often mild, and in many cases, they are discovered accidentally, such as during a routine urine test. In addition to hematuria, patients often experience pain in the lower back and abdomen, which is a consequence of inflammation around the kidneys.

The diagnosis typically begins with a urine test, where the presence of blood and protein levels are checked. The next step is a kidney tissue biopsy, which helps determine the extent of the damage. The deposition of IgA antibodies in the kidney can be clearly detected during histological examination, but the exact causes of the disease have not yet been accurately identified. The severity of symptoms and the course of the disease can vary from person to person, making it difficult to develop treatment strategies.

Causes of the Disease

The exact causes of IgA nephropathy are not yet fully clarified. Some researchers believe that the disease may be a consequence of an autoimmune reaction triggered by previous viral infections. Damage to the renal parenchyma can also result in high blood pressure, which may cause further complications.

During the disease, inflammation of the kidney glomeruli is observed, where IgA antibodies are deposited. This process is considered an autoimmune disease; however, the precise mechanisms are still under investigation. Due to damage to the kidney tissue and the inflammatory response, kidney function gradually deteriorates, which can ultimately lead to kidney failure.

Related Diseases and Diagnostic Considerations

The symptoms of IgA nephropathy may resemble those of other diseases, such as Schönlein-Henoch purpura, which also belongs to small vessel diseases. This disease primarily occurs in childhood and can cause symptoms affecting the kidneys, as well as arthritis and gastrointestinal problems. In Schönlein-Henoch purpura, visible bleeding may occur due to inflammation of the small subcutaneous vessels.

It is important to thoroughly differentiate diseases with similar symptoms from the diagnosis of IgA nephropathy, as treatment options may vary. A precise diagnosis of the disease and the selection of appropriate treatment require medical expertise.

Treatment Options

Currently, there is no specific cure for IgA nephropathy. The main goal is to preserve kidney function and slow the progression of the disease. If kidney function deteriorates rapidly, immunosuppressive agents such as steroids are recommended. These medications may help reduce inflammation, but symptoms often return after treatment is discontinued.

If high blood pressure develops as a result of the disease, it is treated with antihypertensive medications. In extreme cases, when the kidney can no longer perform its function, renal replacement therapy, such as dialysis or kidney transplantation, is employed. Continuous monitoring of the patient’s condition and appropriate medical care are essential in the management of the disease and in improving the patient’s quality of life.