IgA nephropathy/Berger’s disease

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.

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.

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).

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.

• Efficacy and safety of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers for IgA nephropathy in children (2022)
• Circulating microrna (148b and 150) as potential biomarker in IgA nephropathy and lupus nephritis (2021)
• IgA nephropathy as the initial presentation of celiac disease in an adolescent (2021)
• Role of IL-6 and IL-10 in IgA nephropathy and lupus nephritis (2021)

Claire’s Story: Gender Bias & The Long Road to Diagnosis