IgA Nephropathy, or Berger's disease, is recognized as the most common type
of glomerulonephritis throughout the world. Patients may preset at any age, but
there is a peak incidence in the second and third decades of life and has male
predominance. Up to 40% of patients with IgA Nephropathy progress to end-stage
renal disease (ESRD) within 25 years. However, with an early diagnosis, the
further development of IgA Nephropathy can be prevented. Then, how to diagnosis
of IgA Nephropathy?
IgA Nephropathy can be divided into two types: primary and secondary. Both of
types are characterized by mesangial deposition of IgA. Secondary IgA
Nephropathy may occur in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, mucosal
diseases, cirrhosis, and hematologic diseases. The following is an introduction
of diagnostic approach of IgA Nephropathy.
When diagnosing IgA Nephropathy, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and
medical history. The history often includes the recent occurrence of an upper
respiratory tract infection. A physical exam is also conducted to check blood
pressure, edema, etc.
Urine tests will be ordered. Blood or protein in the urine may be the first
sign of IgA Nephropathy. The doctor dips a special strip with chemicals into the
urine sample. The strip changes color if blood or protein exists in the
urine.
A blood test shows if there's a build up of body metabolic wastes in the
bloodstream, such as blood urine nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine.
The definite diagnosis of IgA Nephropathy can only be made by a kidney
biopsy. In this procedure, a fine needle is inserted into the kidney using
ultrasound as a guide and taking a tiny tissue sample that is then checked for
protein deposits using a microscope.
The above is an introduction of diagnosis of IgA Nephropathy. No matter what
kind of disease, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are both helpful for your
recovery. Therefore, once diagnosed, patients need to receive standard treatment
as early as possible. Immunotherapy is the best treatment of IgA Nephropathy,
which has brought new hope to many patients with kidney disease. You can browse
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