IgA Nephropathy (IgAN, Berger's disease), the most common glomerulonephritis
in the world, is characterized by the deposition of IgA, C3, and IgG, and/or IgM
in the glomerular mesangium, and the IgA proteins are the predominant ones.
Recent study indicates that IgAN should be considered as an autoimmune disease,
so we should treat this disorder by rectifying the immune dysfunction. In 2012,
the latest treatment for IgA Nephropathy is called immunotherapy.
Let's explore the mechanism of IgA Nephropathy first, so that we can
understand how to treat it from the root. Our immune system produces a number of
different immunoglobulin complexes to defense against infections, allergens,
etc. Among these are IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgE. In case of IgA Nephropathy,
something appears to go wrong with either the form of the IgA immune complex
itself, or with their production and clearance within the body, or the both. As
a result, the immune complex will deposit in the glomeruli and lead to damages
to the renal functional cells and tissues.
IgA Nephropathy progressively destroys the glomeruli. As more and more
glomeruli become scarred and non-functional, the remaining ones have to work
harder, a condition known as hyperfiltrtion. Ultimately, the kidneys no longer
have enough function left to filter wastes from the blood. When this occurs,
patients have progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal replacement
therapy is required to sustain life (dialysis or a kidney transplant).
In western countries, there is no cure, and medication therapies now focus on
slowing the progress of the disease and preventing complications. Different from
western medicine, the latest immunotherapy aims at eliminating the root cause of
IgA Nephropathy and the treatment process is safe without any side effects to
patients. Immunotherapy mainly consist of:
▪ Immunosuppressive agents without any adverse effects.
▪ Micro-Chinese Medicine Osmotherapy
▪ Immunotherapy (through intravenous injection)
▪ Immune clearance-immunoadsorption, plasma exchange, blood purification.
Since the disease varies from one person to another, one or more of the above
treatments can be adopted to ensure a better treatment effect.