Jonathan Barratt, PhD, FRCP, Professor of Renal Medicine, University of Leicester, UK, gives an overview of immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy.
As Dr. Barratt explains, IgA nephropathy is a rare kidney disease characterized by build-up of IgA deposits in the kidneys. This buildup causes inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, which in turn causes hematuria and proteinuria. This damage may lead to scarring of the nephrons which progresses slowly over many years. Eventually, IgA nephropathy can lead to end-stage kidney disease.
This autoimmune disease can occur at any age but it often occurs in younger adults. The disease may go unnoticed for many years but early symptoms may include hematuria and/or albuminuria that can be noticed in either a urine sample or visible to the eye.
To learn more about IgA nephropathy and other rare kidney diseases, visit checkrare.com/diseases/kidney
