IgA nephropathy (Berger?s disease)

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Male urinary system

IgA nephropathy (Berger?s disease)

Alternative Names:

Nephropathy - IgA; Berger's disease
Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent or delay chronic renal failure

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Antihypertensive (high blood pressure) medications and diuretics may be given to control high blood pressure and edema. Control of blood pressure is the most important measure to delay renal (kidney) damage. Sodium (salt) and fluids may be restricted to control swelling. A low- to moderate-protein diet may be recommended in some cases.

The use of ACE inhibitors is key to preventing this disease from getting worse. Corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive drugs, and fish oil have also been used to treat this disorder.

Support Groups:

For additional information and supprt, see the IgA Nephropathy Support Network website (www.igansupport.org).

Expectations (prognosis):

IgA nephropathy progresses slowly. In many cases, it does not progress at all. High blood pressure, large quantities of protein in the urine, and increased BUN or creatinine levels (blood tests that reflect kidney functioning) indicate a higher risk for progression of the disorder.

About 25% of people with IgA nephropathy develop end-stage kidney failure within about 25 years.

Complications:

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have bloody urine or if your urine output decreases.