IgA nephropathy
Pronunciation: I-G-A neh-FROP-ah-thee
The most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide, characterized by IgA deposits in kidney glomeruli.
Full Definition
IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger disease, is the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis globally, characterized by the deposition of IgA immune complexes in the glomerular mesangium. In pediatric nephrology, the condition typically presents with episodes of gross hematuria coinciding with upper respiratory tract infections, though some children may have asymptomatic microscopic hematuria with or without proteinuria. The diagnosis is confirmed by kidney biopsy showing dominant or codominant IgA deposits on immunofluorescence. While often benign in children, some cases may progress to chronic kidney disease requiring long-term monitoring.
Usage
Usage note: Also known as Berger disease; specify IgA to distinguish from other nephropathies.
In Context
- "The teenager presented with recurrent gross hematuria following viral illnesses, consistent with IgA nephropathy." — Nephrology consultation
- "Kidney biopsy confirmed IgA nephropathy with mesangial proliferation and dominant IgA staining." — Pathology report