Is IgA Nephropathy a Serious Disease?

Understanding IgA Nephropathy - Symptoms & Kidney Failure Risk

IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is a kidney condition causing inflammation and scarring. It is a serious disease caused by excess immunoglobulin deposits in the kidneys. It can also cause several complications and kidney failure.

Complications of IgA Nephropathy

IgAN develops differently in different people. However, they can lead to several complications if not addressed early. These are:

• Chronic Kidney Disease: it  involves gradual loss of kidney function. If untreated, it can progress to kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease), requiring kidney transplant or dialysis is required to filter waste from your body.
• Nephrotic Syndrome: It affects the glomeruli present in your kidneys. It can cause problems such as low protein in blood, high protein in urine and oedema.
• High Cholesterol: Since your kidneys do not function properly, it can cause excess cholesterol in your body. It also increases the risk of a heart attack.
• High Blood Pressure: The disease leads to excess IgA content in your kidneys. This can raise blood pressure and damage the kidneys.
• Kidney Failure: This can be sudden and unexpected. This is also known as acute kidney failure. However, kidney failure can even happen slowly.
   

Risk Factors of IgA Nephropathy

People with the following conditions are at a greater risk of developing IgA nephropathy:
 

• Born as a male
• Family history of IgAN or IgA vasculitis
• 10-40 years of age
• Infected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Have a gluten allergy (coeliac disease)
• Affected by hepatitis, cirrhosis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• If the person is Asian or white European
   

Stages of IgA Nephropathy

There are 5 stages of this disease. It takes 10-20 years to reach the last stage. Doctors stage it based on the eGFR content in your blood. eGFR levels above 90 place one in Stage 1, while eGFR levels below 15 put one in Stage 5.

Stage 1: At Risk of Developing IgA Nephropathy

At stage 1, your kidneys function properly, and you do not show any symptoms. However, mild kidney damage may start to occur. Doctors can diagnose stage 1 IgA nephropathy through a urinalysis that can detect blood in your urine. Doctors can suggest that you maintain a healthy weight, incorporate nutritious foods, and control your blood sugar levels.

Stage 2: Mild Kidney Damage

When you reach this stage, your kidneys lose some of their functions. Your kidneys may leak blood into your urine, or you may notice swollen hands or feet. These are warning signs that you should not ignore.

Stage 3: Mild to Moderate Kidney Damage

At stage 3, the kidneys are moderately damaged. This means you will see symptoms such as oedema, fatigue and unusual colouring of your urine. Other complications start to build, such as high blood pressure.

Stage 4: Severe Kidney Damage

Along with fatigue and oedema, other symptoms like back pain show up in this stage. Stage 4 is characterised by your kidneys losing most of their functions. As waste starts to build up, associated health conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Stage 5: Most Severe Kidney Damage

In this stage, your kidneys do not function properly anymore. You may face trouble breathing, a lack of appetite, and no urination. Dialysis and kidney transplants, along with some medicines, are the only treatments.

IgA nephropathy is a serious condition affecting your kidneys. Proper treatment at the earliest can help you lead a quality life.