IgA nephropathy also known as Berger’s disease is a chronic kidney disorder that develops when there is an excess accumulation of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the kidneys. Immunoglobulins are germ-combatting proteins and part of the immune system. This condition results in inflammation that over a period makes it difficult for the kidneys to filter waste from the blood.
The condition worsens over a period; however, the course of the ailments varies from person to person. Millions of people globally are affected by IgA nephropathy, it is a chronic condition and for most people, it doesn’t lead to any serious consequences.
Treatment comprises regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels with medications. A few people with this condition may need a kidney transplant.
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Symptoms
In the initial stages of Berger’s disease, the primary symptom is blood in the urine(haematuria). Symptoms typically develop between the ages of 15 and 35, but they may go unnoticed for years as the amount of blood in the urine is very minimal.
If the condition advances and begins to impede kidney function, then a person may experience:
- Brown-coloured urine
- Pain on the side of the back
- Protein in the urine
- High blood pressure
- Edema of the hands and feet
Also Read: Kidney Health: Know About 11 Early Warning Signs of Renal Disease
Causes
An immunoglobulin (antibody) is a large protein molecule that the immune system uses to kill pathogens. When a person suffers from this condition, IgA does not work well. Instead of binding only to bacteria and viruses, the IgA incorrectly attaches to other IgA molecules and produces long chains. These chains travel in the blood and eventually get accumulated in the kidney’s filters (glomeruli) and IgA deposits lead to an inflammatory reaction in the system. This inflammation can eventually cause kidney damage. Medical experts believe that there is a genetic element to the disease, as at times it runs in families. Men are more likely to have it than women. Also, it is more common in Native Americans, Caucasians and Asians.
Medical conditions that are related to IgA nephropathy include:
- Liver ailments like cirrhosis, hepatitis B and C
- Celiac disease
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- HIV
- Viral infections in the upper respiratory tract, and digestive tract
- Henoch-Schönlein purpura
Complications
IgA nephropathy differs from person to person. Some people may not experience any complications and the condition may even go into remission phase on its own. While a few others may develop complications as the condition advances, which include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Acute kidney failure
- Chronic kidney disease
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD)
- Cardiac problems
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider may first observe this condition when a regular test reveals protein and red blood cells in the urine. They may also enquire about your symptoms, such as if you have ever noticed that your urine is dark or reddish in colour, or if you have any history of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
To confirm a diagnosis and clearly differentiate your condition from other diseases, your doctor may order certain tests:
- Kidney biopsy to look for IgA deposits
- Urinalysis to determine protein and blood in the urine
- Serum creatinine test to check out if creatinine is building up in the blood
- Estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to evaluate how effectively kidneys are filtering waste
- Blood pressure
- Lipid profile test
Treatment
Well, there’s no complete cure for IgA nephropathy and no standard protocol for treating it. Some people may not require any treatment but still patient would need to get regular checkups to evaluate their kidney function. While for others, treatment is intended at slowing the advancement of the condition and regulate blood pressure, swelling and protein levels in the urine, which include:
Blood pressure medications are given to lower blood pressure as well as lower the protein levels in the urine.
Immunosuppressants, cholesterol medications and diuretics are prescribed.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are also suggested.
In a few people, IgA nephropathy may advance over a period of decades and can eventually lead to kidney failure.
People with kidney failure will need to get dialysis or opt for a kidney transplant.
Dietary Management For IgA nephropathy
Patients can slow down the progression of the condition by making a few modifications to their diet pattern, which include:
- Having a low-fat and cholesterol diet
- Restricting salt or sodium intake
- Protein intake should be limited in the meal
- Adding good sources of omega-3 fatty acids like flaxseeds, canola oil, cod liver oil, walnuts, and fish oil supplements
Further, patients may follow a DASH diet that focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats and reduce their intake of sodium to control high blood pressure and maintain blood pressure levels within normal ranges.
