Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes kidney damage and often leads to kidney failure.

IgA nephropathy occurs when clumps of IgA get deposited in the kidneys, causing inflammation and kidney damage. About 1 in 5 people will go on to develop end stage kidney failure due to IgA nephropathy.

IgA nephropathy is a rare autoimmune disorder. This means that your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues or organs.

In the case of IgA nephropathy, large numbers of IgA antibodies accumulate in the kidneys. These immune cells cause inflammation in the kidneys, causing damage to the glomeruli over time.

Glomeruli are tiny filters in the kidneys. When they become damaged, the kidneys become less effective at filtering the blood, causing blood and protein to leak into the urine.

Many people who develop the condition will notice blood in their urine, particularly after upper respiratory infections.

When not treated effectively, it can lead to end stage renal disease (ESRD), also known as kidney failure. ESRD is when your kidneys have stopped working well enough for you to survive without dialysis or a kidney transplant. At this stage, your kidneys have lost their ability to filter waste from your blood.

About 1 in 5 people with IgA nephropathy will develop kidney failure within 10 years from diagnosis.

Evidence suggests that earlier and effective treatment can help improve outcomes for people diagnosed with IgA nephropathy. Some studies also suggest that the presence of certain biomarkers can help doctors and other professionals predict outcomes.

Anyone can develop IgA nephropathy, but certain risk factors increase your chances of developing the condition. These include:

  • biological male
  • family history of IgAN or IgA vasculitis
  • between the ages of 10 and 40 years old
  • of Pacific Island, White European, or Asian descent
  • living with certain conditions:
    • inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
    • hepatitis
    • celiac disease
    • HIV
    • cirrhosis (liver failure)

In addition to potentially leading to ESRD, IgA nephropathy can also lead to complications such as:

  • Chronic kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease is the gradual loss of kidney function over many years. It can also lead to stroke and heart disease. A person with IgA nephropathy will experience years of chronic kidney disease before progressing to ESRD.
  • High blood pressure: IgA nephropathy can also lead to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This can, in turn, lead to further kidney damage.
  • Nephrotic syndrome: This refers to a set or group of symptoms that can indicate kidney damage. Symptoms include high urine protein levels, high levels of cholesterol and other lipids (fats) in your blood (hyperlipidemia), and low blood protein levels.
  • Acute kidney failure: This occurs when the buildup of waste products in the kidneys causes a sudden, though often temporary, stop to kidney function.

Treatment can help reduce your risk of developing complications associated with IgA nephropathy. If you notice unusual symptoms, such as blood in the urine or particularly frothy urine, you may want to speak with a healthcare professional.

You likely do not have IgA nephropathy, but they can run tests to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

If you develop ESRD, you may start to notice several symptoms as your kidneys become unable or nearly unable to filter blood. These include:

  • fatigue or feeling tired
  • difficulty concentrating
  • urinating less often or not at all
  • shortness of breath
  • itchy or dry skin
  • achy muscles or cramping
  • loss of appetite
  • swelling or numbness in the legs, ankles, feet, or arms
  • shortness of breath
  • trouble sleeping
  • nausea or vomiting

ESRD can also increase your risk of developing a heart attack or stroke. It can also lead to other complications, such as:

  • metabolic acidosis (buildup of acid in your blood)
  • anemia (low levels of red blood cells)
  • hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in your blood)
  • mineral and bone disorders

Some complications can also be causes of renal disease. These complications can include:

  • high blood pressure
  • heart disease
  • stroke

If you are living with IgA nephropathy and develop symptoms that could indicate advanced stage renal disease, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional. They may be able to provide additional treatment options to help.

Effective, early treatment can help people living with IgA nephropathy avoid ESRD.

Treatments can also help improve quality of life and prevent potential complications associated with IgA nephropathy.

Some common treatments doctors use if you develop IgA nephropathy include:

  • Medications to help treat high blood pressure and keep protein from spilling into the urine, such as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).
  • Medications to help reduce cholesterol and prevent heart disease.
  • Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking if applicable, reducing sodium (salt) intake, and getting regular exercise.
  • Steroids to help keep the immune system from overreacting, helping reduce inflammation in the kidneys.

IgA nephropathy can lead to end stage renal disease. It can also lead to several other complications, such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and others.

Though anyone can develop IgA nephropathy, White and Asian males have a higher risk of developing the condition.

Early diagnosis and treatment may help to reduce your risk of developing end stage renal failure. Treatments can help prevent kidney damage, reduce protein and blood spillage into the urine, and help reduce cholesterol.

If you’re living with IgA nephropathy and develop signs or symptoms of end or late stage kidney disease, talk with a healthcare professional about your treatment options.