IgA Nephropathy (Berger's Disease)

IgA nephropathy (Berger's Disease) often causes no symptoms. When symptoms, occur, they may include: 

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
  • Pink, red, dark brown, or cola-colored urine
• Protein in the urine (proteinuria)
  • Foamy, frothy, or bubbly urine 

It is not fully understood what causes IgA nephropathy (Berger's Disease). 

• IgA nephropathy is an immune response to outside irritants, such as viruses, that affects the kidneys. The immune response releases Immunoglobulin A (IgA), a protein that helps the body fight infections. The IgA protein gets stuck in kidneys, resulting in inflammation that causes the kidneys to leak blood and protein leading to the kidneys losing function and possibly eventual kidney failure. 
• It is believed there may be a genetic component to the disease, since it seems to cluster in certain families and in certain areas of the world. 

IgA nephropathy (Berger's Disease) is diagnosed with a patient history, physical examination, and tests such as:

• Blood tests 
  • To check for protein, cholesterol, and wastes in the blood
  • Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
• Urine tests to check for blood and protein in the urine
• Kidney biopsy: a small sample of tissue is removed from the kidney and examined under a microscope

If the kidneys are not damaged, treatment for IgA nephropathy (Berger's Disease) may not be needed. Patients should still get blood and urine tests at least once a year to check kidney function.

If blood or urine tests show signs of kidney damage, medications may be prescribed, such as: 

• ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) 
  • Used to lower blood pressure and help protect the kidney from further damage
• Statins
  • Used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes
  • People with kidney damage have a high risk of these problems
• Corticosteroids 
  • Used to reduce inflammation in the kidneys
  • Inflammation can cause scarring in the kidneys
• Immunosuppressive drugs
• Fish oil to help reduce inflammation in the kidneys
  • This is not the same as the fish oil that can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC)
  • It is a prescription-strength fish oil

Diet changes may also be recommended, including: 

• Reducing salt (sodium) intake 
• Reducing dietary protein consumption