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IgA Nephropathy

What is IgA Nephropathy?

IgA nephropathy (ne fra pa thee) is a type of autoimmune kidney disease. Autoimmune diseases cause the body to mistakenly attack itself. IgA nephropathy occurs when IgA, a protein normally used by the immune system to fight disease, builds up in the kidneys. This buildup damages the kidneys and limits their ability to filter waste. IgA nephropathy may lead to end-stage kidney disease if left untreated for more than 20 years.(1) Symptoms include:(1,2)
  • Red or dark pee
  • Pain at the sides of the lower back
  • Swelling in the ankles
  • High blood pressure
  • Protein in the urine
People with IgA nephropathy may find blood in their pee repeatedly, often after a cold or stomach flu.(1)

Other condition names

  • Berger's disease
  • IgAN

Inheritance type

Unknown

Age of Onset

  • Most common: teens to late 39s
  • May appear at any age

1. IgA Nephropathy. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Available at https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/iga-nephropathy. Accessed 12/29/2022.

2. IgA Nephropathy. National Kidney Foundation. Available at https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/iganeph. Accessed 12/29/2022.