WHAT IS IgA NEPHROPATHY?
IgA Nephropathy is an autoimmune disease, meaning a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks itself. The disease affects the kidneys and usually gets worse over time. In people with IgA Nephropathy, the body produces too much IgA1. Overproduction of IgA1 triggers the immune system to attack IgA1 and form clusters. These clusters build up in your kidneys, leading to inflammation and damage.

IgA Nephropathy is caused by increased levels of IgA1 in the blood

The body produces antibodies to IgA1

Clusters of these autoimmune complexes are deposited in the kidney

The kidneys become inflamed, and irreversible damage can occur
WHAT MAY CAUSE IgA NEPHROPATHY?
One of the main underlying causes of IgA Nephropathy is thought to be an IgA1 antibody, which is mostly produced in the gut.


HOW COMMON IS IgA NEPHROPATHY?
IgA Nephropathy is a rare disease. It is more common among certain groups and individuals

Most common in Asian and Caucasian populations

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF IgA NEPHROPATHY?
Although IgA Nephropathy is often asymptomatic in early stages, you may experience the following:
Lower back pain
Blood in the urine
Foamy urine due to excess protein
Swelling in feet, ankles, or legs
These symptoms may be subtle, and you may not experience any of them. More protein than usual or even blood in your urine may not be noticed until a routine urine test.
HOW IS IgA NEPHROPATHY DIAGNOSED?
A diagnosis of IgA Nephropathy is confirmed with a kidney biopsy


- A kidney biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a small piece of kidney tissue for examination
- A biopsy may reveal IgA deposits in the glomeruli
- The biopsy can also show how much kidney damage has already occurred
- The biopsy results can help you and your doctor determine the best course of treatment
DID YOU KNOW?
By the time IgA Nephropathy is diagnosed, some kidney damage may have already occurred.
HOW IS IgA NEPHROPATHY MONITORED?
IgA Nephropathy is a progressive disease—UPCR and eGFR are 2 important measures for patients with IgA Nephropathy.

UPCR (urine protein-to-creatinine ratio) is a measure of the amount of protein in the urine

eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) is a measure of kidney function
Your doctor may monitor UPCR and eGFR closely to track if your IgA Nephropathy is progressing.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Use this guide to learn more about IgA Nephropathy, including common tests to check your kidney health and what to look for and expect at different stages. You’ll also find information on additional resources.