IgA nephropathy

Abstract

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerulonephritis in the world. The etiology is unknown but a dysregulated T-cell immune response to viral, bacterial, and food antigens activating mucosal plasma cells to produce polymeric IgA has been proposed. No serological test exists to diagnosis IgAN. A definitive diagnosis requires kidney biopsy which is not always necessary. Kidney failure occurs in 20% to 40% of patients within 10 to 20 years.