IgA nephropathy is an autoimmune disease of the kidneys. It’s associated with several health conditions and is a significant contributor to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.
In the United States, IgA nephropathy has a notable effect on chronic kidney disease rates as well as rates of kidney failure.
Roughly
IgA nephropathy can cause various complications and is also associated with several other medical conditions. Some of these conditions may cause IgA nephropathy, while others may be the result of IgA nephropathy.
Learn more about the conditions associated with IgA nephropathy.
IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger disease, is an autoimmune disorder that causes clumps of antibodies to form in the kidneys.
One of the antibodies that can form clumps is known as immunoglobulin A (IgA). These clumps can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys that are responsible for filtering blood. This causes the kidneys to leak protein and blood into the urine.
There are several conditions associated with IgA nephropathy.
Some people may experience these conditions at the same time as IgA nephropathy.
IgA neuropathy may increase the risk of some of these conditions and, in some cases, certain diseases and conditions may cause secondary IgA nephropathy.
Liver disease
Liver disease is the
Typically, the liver plays an important role in clearing large IgA complexes in the body. But when liver disease is present, this process doesn’t work as effectively, and the clumps of antibodies can build up.
Cirrhosis, when healthy tissue in the liver is replaced with scar tissue, is commonly associated with IgA nephropathy.
Some rare disorders of the liver, including Wilson disease, autoimmune hepatitis, and hemochromatosis, are also believed to be potentially associated with IgA nephropathy.
Celiac disease
There’s a strong correlation between IgA nephropathy and celiac disease.
People with celiac disease have a threefold increased risk of developing IgA nephropathy. They also have an increased risk of end stage renal disease.
One-third of people with celiac disease have a buildup of IgA clumps without any clinical symptoms.
Inflammatory bowel disease
There’s a significant association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IgA nephropathy. IBD includes both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
People living with IgA nephropathy have an increased risk of IBD both before and after they receive a confirmed diagnosis of IgA nephropathy.
A 2020 study found the prevalence of IgA nephropathy among those living with IBD (24%) is three times higher than those without IBD (8%).
The researchers demonstrated a significant increase in IgA1-producing cells in colon tissue in people who have IBD.
Those who have both IgA nephropathy and inflammatory bowel disease are more likely to progress to end stage kidney disease than those with IgA nephropathy but without IBD.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a commonly reported chronic condition associated with IgA nephropathy. It’s often considered the most common skin disorder associated with IgA nephropathy.
Those with moderate to severe psoriasis have a higher incidence of IgA nephropathy than those who don’t have the condition.
Older research
Infections
IgA nephropathy clinical symptoms are strongly associated with a previous bacterial or viral infection.
Upper respiratory tract infections most commonly contribute to IgA nephropathy. Infections can cause mucosal injury, which can, in turn, cause problems with the production of IgA and the presence of “clumps” of antibodies in the body.
Other viral infectious like hepatitis B, HIV, and COVID-19 also have a strong association with IgA nephropathy
Lupus
It’s possible for IgA nephropathy and systemic lupus to occur at the same time, but the understanding of their link is limited.
Research from 2023 suggests that when IgA nephropathy and lupus exist at the same time, there’s no definitive consensus on the cause and effect of the two conditions. There’s also no consensus on whether the conditions exist due to each other or independently.
IgA nephropathy can cause various complications, which may result in more health conditions. There are several conditions associated with IgA nephropathy complications.
Hypertension
Hypertension (high blood pressure) can be an issue for people living with IgA nephropathy.
IgA nephropathy can damage the kidneys, which can, in turn, increase blood pressure. This can cause further damage to the kidneys, and the cycle continues. This can exacerbate the progression of IgA nephropathy.
Chronic kidney disease
As time passes, IgA nephropathy can cause damage to kidney function, which can result in chronic kidney disease. Those who also have hypertension or diabetes are at even greater risk of chronic kidney disease due to IgA nephropathy. Chronic kidney disease can also raise the risk of both heart disease and stroke.
Cardiovascular disease
IgA nephropathy causes the body to leak blood and protein into the urine. This can cause the urine to appear foamy, pink, or resemble the color of cola. The high amount of protein in the urine due to IgA nephropathy can increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
Kidney failure
Out of the people living with IgA nephropathy, 1 in 5 develop kidney failure within the first 10 years from diagnosis. When this happens, the kidneys are no longer working well enough to support the body.
Kidney failure can either come on suddenly and be temporary, known as acute kidney failure, or may develop over a long period and be permanent.
IgA nephropathy is an autoimmune condition that’s a significant contributor to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure in the United States.
It’s associated with a number of other health conditions. Some of these are believed to cause IgA nephropathy, while others may be the result of it.
Regardless of whether the conditions are a cause or consequence of IgA nephropathy, it’s important to speak with a doctor to get the proper treatment.