Eric Lai, MD, Nephrologist at the West Coast Kidney Institute, discusses the importance of early diagnosis in IgA nephropathy (IgAN).
IgAN is a kidney disorder that occurs when IgA protein settles in the kidneys. In the early stages, IgAN has no symptoms. The first sign of this condition may be blood in the urine. End-stage kidney disease may develop. In most instances, the cause of this condition is unknown; however, certain disorders have been linked with IgAN, such as cirrhosis of the liver, celiac disease, and HIV infection. The condition can also often be triggered by a viral illness, such as a head cold or upper respiratory infection, that irritates the mucous membranes throughout the body.
Early diagnosis of IgAN is crucial for patients to receive proper treatment in efforts of preventing severe cirrhosis and end-stage kidney disease, often requiring kidney transplant. Dr. Lai explains that the easiest way to identify early signs of disease is through urine testing at a patient’s yearly physical. This test checks kidney function and signs of disease such as hematuria (blood in the urine) and proteinuria (protein in the urine). While this testing is mandated in other countries, physicians in the US are not required to perform this test.
The risk of progression in IgAN is dependent on the degree of proteinuria, making this marker the most important measure in gauging kidney prognosis and how well disease is being treated. Additionally, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is also an important measurement in patients with IgAN.
Current treatment options consist mostly of symptom management. These may include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, corticosteroids, and liver transplantation.
Learn more about IgA nephropathy.
