IgA Nephropathy

Overview

A leader in the diagnosis and treatment of IgA nephropathy, Mayo Clinic sees more than 500 patients with this condition each year. Specialists from nephrology, hypertension and pathology work as a team in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with IgA nephropathy

For example, in Rochester, patients are treated at the Mayo Clinic Glomerular/Renal Parenchymal Disease Clinic, a dedicated group of glomerular disease specialists who use state-of-the-art techniques, some developed at Mayo, for integrated diagnosis and treatment. In addition, Mayo physicians work closely with local physicians to coordinate treatment and follow up care.

Ongoing research efforts enhance the care provided to patients with IgA nephropathy. Mayo physician specialists and scientists collaborate in the development and conduct of clinical trials for novel therapies for IgA nephropathy through the Mayo Nephrology Collaborative Group .

Treatment Options

Treatment for IgA nephropathy is directed at slowing disease progression and managing symptoms such as high blood pressure, protein in the urine (proteinuria) and swelling (edema) in the hands and feet. The ultimate goal is to avoid disease progression and the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation. Read more about IgA nephropathy treatment options.

About IgA Nephropathy

IgA nephropathy is a chronic kidney disorder caused by abnormal deposits of the protein immunoglobulin A (IgA) inside the small filtering units (glomeruli) of the kidney. These protein deposits impair the function of the glomeruli, which normally filter wastes and excess water from the blood and send them to the bladder as urine. The IgA protein prevents this filtering process and leads to inflammation, glomerular destruction and kidney failure. Symptoms of IgA nephropathy include the presence of blood and protein in the urine and swelling in the hands and feet.

IgA nephropathy affects patients of all ages, both male and female. The disease is also known as Berger's disease, Primary IgA nephropathy and IgA glomerulonephritis.