Overview
Occurs when immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies build up in the kidneys, causing inflammation that hinders the ability of the kidneys to filter waste from the blood.
IgA nephropathy/Berger’s disease
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
- Article Sources
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
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
National Kidney Foundation Inc. (2020, June 15). IgA Nephropathy. National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/iganeph