[Pathophysiology and treatment of IgA nephropathy]

Abstract

The IgA nephropathy is the most frequent form of glomerulonephritis worldwide. In approximately 30% of patients a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate of approximately 50% is observed within 10 years. Patients with IgA nephropathy form IgG autoantibodies against galactose-deficient IgA1 antibodies. This results in deposition of these antibodies in the mesangium and activation of complement with mesangial hypercellularity, endocapillary hypercellularity, segmental glomerulosclerosis and atrophying interstitial fibrosis. The basic treatment for patients with IgA nephropathy consists of removing risk factors, in particular hypertension, with blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Immunosuppressives were also investigated in various studies but a clear advantage was not observed.

Keywords: Autoimmune diseases; Glomerulonephritis; Hypertension; Immunosuppression; Renin-angiotensin system.