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IgA Nephropathy

Berger's Disease — Primary Glomerular Disease

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

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What is IgA Nephropathy?

IgA nephropathy is defined by mesangial deposition of polymeric galactose-deficient IgA1 with glomerular inflammation and variable injury.

Clinical presentations include synpharyngitic gross hematuria, asymptomatic microscopic hematuria with proteinuria, or nephrotic syndrome and rapidly progressive forms.

Oxford MEST-C classification (mesangial, endocapillary, segmental, tubular, crescents) guides prognosis and therapy.

Up to 30-40% progress to end-stage kidney disease over 20-30 years; risk stratified by proteinuria, blood pressure, and eGFR.

Symptoms

Episodes of gross hematuria concurrent with upper respiratory infection
Persistent microscopic hematuria and mild proteinuria
Hypertension
Edema in nephrotic presentation
Flank pain or dysuria-free episodes
Rapid rise in creatinine in crescentic form

Risk Factors

Asian and Caucasian ancestry (higher prevalence)
Family history of IgA nephropathy
Age 20-40 years, male predominance
Mucosal infections (URI, GI infections)
Chronic liver disease or celiac disease (secondary IgAN)
HIV or inflammatory bowel disease

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Recurrent gross hematuria following respiratory infections
  • Persistent proteinuria (>0.75–1 g/day) despite RAS blockade
  • Rising creatinine or features of nephritic syndrome

Treatment Methods

01
Supportive care: ACEi or ARB titrated to maximum tolerated for all with proteinuria >0.5 g/day
02
Blood pressure target <120/80 mmHg where tolerated; low-sodium diet
03
SGLT2 inhibitor (dapagliflozin, empagliflozin) for proteinuric CKD to reduce progression
04
Targeted-release budesonide (Nefecon) for persistent proteinuria despite optimized supportive care
05
Systemic corticosteroids considered in high-risk patients; avoid broad immunosuppression without clear indication
06
Treat secondary causes; tonsillectomy in selected patients; referral for rapidly progressive forms

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.