IgA nephropathy (Berger’s disease)

Overview

IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is a chronic kidney disease in which immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies build up in the kidneys, causing inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units that remove waste from the blood. Over time, this damage can reduce kidney function and may lead to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure in some people.

Common Symptoms

Darker colored urine, urine with blood, upper respiratory/other infection, foamy urine, pain in one or both sides of your back beneath the ribs, swelling of the feet or hands, and high blood pressure.

Coexisting Diseases and Conditions

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, acute kidney failure, chronic kidney disease, or nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disorder that causes your body to pass too much protein in your urine).

Risk Factors and Prevalence

Males have been found to be affected at least twice as often as females. Caucasians and Asians have a higher risk than African Americans.  Age of highest incidence is between late teens and late 30s. A family history of IgA is associated with 10% of reported cases.

Sources

  1. Sources
    1. Cedars-Sinai. (n.d.). Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Nephropathy. Cedars Sinai. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/i/immunoglobulin-a-iga-nephropathy.html#:~:text=IgA%20nephropathy%20is%20a%20chronic,(glomeruli)%20in%20the%20kidney

    2. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019, May 17). IgA nephropathy (Berger’s disease). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iga-nephropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352268

    3. National Kidney Foundation Inc. (2020, June 15). IgA Nephropathy. National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/iganeph