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What is Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IGAN)?
Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy is a glomerular disease characterized by the deposition of type A immunoglobulin in the mesangial areas of the glomerulus.
This leads to inflammation and damage to the glomerulus and the surrounding structures.
Originally known as Berger disease, IgAN is the most common biopsy-proven primary glomerular disease.
6 Interesting Facts of Immunoglobulin A nephropathy
1. Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common biopsy-proven primary glomerulonephritis.
2. The classic presentation is painless gross hematuria 1 to 3 days after an upper respiratory infection.
3. When accompanied only by microscopic hematuria, the long-term prognosis of IgAN is excellent.
4. Persistent proteinuria greater than 1 g/day with/without hypertension is associated with up to a 50% likelihood of developing end-stage kidney disease within 10 years.
5. Renin-angiotensin system blockade with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition or angiotensin receptor blockade has been proven in randomized controlled trials in both children and adults to improve prognosis.
6. Of the available immunosuppressive treatments, only steroids have shown reasonable evidence of benefit. However, trials have indicated a significant risk of toxicity, and careful assessment of the risk/benefit ratio is needed before embarking on therapy.
