| IgA nephropathy is a kidney disorder caused by
deposits of the protein immunoglobulin A (IgA) inside the glomeruli
(filters) within the kidney. These glomeruli (the singular form is
glomerulus) normally filter wastes and excess water from the blood
and send them to the bladder as urine. The IgA protein prevents this
filtering process, leading to blood and protein in the urine and swelling
in the hands and feet. This chronic kidney disease may progress over a
period of 10 to 20 years. If this disorder leads to end-stage renal
disease, the patient must go on dialysis or receive a kidney transplant.
The IgA protein is a normal part of the body's system to protect
against disease (the immune system). We do not know what causes IgA
deposits in the glomeruli. But, since IgA nephropathy may run in families,
genetic factors probably contribute to the disease.
Kidney disease usually cannot be cured. Once the tiny filtering units
are damaged, they cannot be repaired. Treatment focuses on slowing the
progression of the disease and preventing complications. One complication
is high blood pressure, which further damages glomeruli.
Some patients may benefit from limiting protein in their diet to reduce
the buildup of waste in the blood. Patients with IgA nephropathy often
have high cholesterol. Reducing cholesterol--through diet, medication, or
both--appears to help slow the progression of IgA nephropathy.
More information is available from
American Kidney Fund
6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite
1010
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: 1-800-638-8299
IgA Nephropathy Support Network
400B Main Road
Gill, MA
01376
Phone: (413) 863-8663
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Information
Center
P.O. Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105
Email: NHLBIinfo@rover.nhlbi.nih.gov
Phone: (301) 592-8573
National Kidney Foundation
30 East 33rd Street
New York,
NY 10016
Phone: 1-800-622-9010
| 
