IgA Nephropathy, or Berger's disease, is the most common cause of
glomerulonephritis, responsible for approximately 45% of cases. A peak incidence
in the second and third decades of life exists, but people of all ages can be
affected.
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is an antibody that plays a key role in your immune
system by attacking invading pathogens. However, in IgA Nephropathy, this
antibody lodges in the glomeruli, gradually affecting their filtering ability.
Causes of IgA Nephropathy are as below:
1. IgA deposits in the mesangium
Due to immune dysfunction, IgA and other immune complexes collect in the
mesangium of the glomeruli, so the glomerular basement membrane is damaged. With
an impaired filtration function, protein and red blood cells will be spilt out
into urine.
2. Genes
There is a genetic component to IgA Nephropathy, and people in some families
and in certain ethnic groups are more prone to get this disorder.
3. Infections
Infections such as HIV infection and bacterial infections are associated with
the development of IgA kidney disease.
4. Others
Other conditions or factors that are related to the incidence of IgA
Nephropathy include:
* Celiac disease, a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine
and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying
healthy. The damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in
most grains.
* Cirrhosis, a condition in which scar tissue replaces normal tissue within
the liver.
* Dermatitis herpetiformis, an extremely itchy rash make of bumps and
blisters. The rash is chronic, and may continues over a long period of time.
Treatment of IgA Nephropathy varies with different causes of your disease.
Our online experts are available to give you the best treatment option according
to your personalized condition.