What is IgM nephropathy?

IgM Nephropathy is an autoimmune disease that affects the filters (gomeruli) of the kidneys. IgM is an immunoglobulin, which is a part of an individual’s healthy immune system. Immunoglobulin M is an antibody produced by B cells and is normally the first antibody to respond and attack an infection in the body.

Does anyone have IgM nephropathy?

Abstract. IgM nephropathy (IgMN) is a rare disease presenting as idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) and acute renal failure both in children and adults.

Is there a cure for IgM nephropathy?

No specific treatment is known to date for this disease because of uncertainties in etiopathogenesis. The mainstay treatment for this disease has been corticosteroids, which has varying degrees of resistance ranging from 0% to 50%.

What is IgA nephropathy Wikipedia?

IgA nephropathy (IgAN), also known as Berger’s disease (/bɛərˈʒeɪ/) (and variations), or synpharyngitic glomerulonephritis, is a disease of the kidney (or nephropathy) and the immune system; specifically it is a form of glomerulonephritis or an inflammation of the glomeruli of the kidney.

What causes IgM nephropathy?

What causes IgM nephropathy? Basically no-one knows fully. IgM is part of the body’s defence against infection. As the antibody travels around in the blood and passes through the kidney it can get deposited in the filters (glomeruli) and then can cause an inflammatory reaction.

How long can you live with IgA nephropathy?

Median age at death was 77.0 years (95% CI, 75.9 to 78.0) in patients with IgAN, compared with 83.0 years (95% CI, 82.4 to 83.5) in controls, representing a reduction in median life expectancy of 6.0 years.

What are the signs and symptoms of IgA nephropathy?

What are the symptoms of IgA nephropathy?

• Visible blood in your urine (hematuria).
• Flank pain (in the sides of your back).
• Ankle swelling (edema).
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Proteinuria (having too much protein in your urine), which can cause edema (swelling) and foamy urine.

What is the treatment for IgA nephropathy?

Medications to treat IgA nephropathy include: High blood pressure medications. Taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) can lower your blood pressure and reduce protein loss. Omega-3 fatty acids.

What causes high levels of protein in urine?

Strenuous exercise, dehydration, diet, stress, pregnancy, and other conditions can cause a temporary rise in urine protein levels. Your provider may recommend other urinalysis tests to see whether you continue to have a high level of protein in your urine over time.

What causes nephropathy?

What causes diabetic nephropathy? Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a complication of diabetes that is believed to contribute most directly to diabetic nephropathy. Hypertension is believed to be both a cause of diabetic nephropathy, as well as a result of the damage that is created by the disease.

How is nephropathy treated?

Options include:

1. Kidney dialysis. This treatment removes waste products and extra fluid from your blood.
2. Transplant. In some situations, the best option is a kidney transplant or a kidney-pancreas transplant.
3. Symptom management.

Can you live a normal life with IgA nephropathy?

Can I lead a normal life with IgA nephropathy? In most cases this condition does not affect normal life. There is no special diet that will make the disease go away or get worse. You can continue with physical exercise and sports quite safely.

Can you cure IgA nephropathy?

No cure exists for IgA nephropathy, but certain medications can slow its course. Keeping your blood pressure under control and reducing your cholesterol levels also slow the disease.

What is the best medicine for IgA nephropathy?

Medications to treat IgA nephropathy include:

• High blood pressure medications. Taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) can lower your blood pressure and reduce protein loss.
• Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Immunosuppressants.
• Statin therapy.
• Diuretics.

What type of doctor treats IgA nephropathy?

Most people with IgA nephropathy receive care from a nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in treating people with kidney disease.

Can you live a full life with IgA nephropathy?

There’s no cure for IgA nephropathy and no reliable way to tell how it will affect each person individually. For most people, the disease progresses very slowly. Up to 70 percent of people can expect to have a normal life expectancy without complications.