What Is IgA Nephropathy?
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is an autoimmune kidney disease.
What Causes IgA Nephropathy?
The IgA antibodies
Everyone's immune system is made up of antibodies that help identify and remove things that can cause infection
IgA antibodies are among those proteins circulating in your bloodstream
When your IgA antibodies are made incorrectly, it could lead to IgA nephropathy
How Can It Damage Your Kidneys?
When you have healthy kidneys
The kidney is a vital organ. It works to maintain the health of the bloodstream by filtering out waste and removing it as urine. The kidney then sends clean red blood cells and many important proteins, like those involved in the immune system, back into circulation. One of these immune proteins is called immunoglobulin A (IgA).
When You Have IgAN
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN)
Did you know? With IgAN, some IgA proteins are defective due to factors like genetics. These defective IgA proteins trigger the immune system to react and form immune complexes that deposit in the kidney.
IgAN is caused by the IgA antibodies that don’t work properly. Some of these defective antibodies can trigger an immune reaction, which can greatly affect the kidneys. Here's how:
In the kidney
IgA immune complexes can leave deposits in the kidneys, which can cause inflammation and the body’s defense system to react by engaging the immune system and activating the complement system.
Complement overactivation
The complement system is an important part of the immune system and helps fight viruses and bacteria. With IgAN, the complement system can become overactivated and may cause harm.
Kidney inflammation
As the overaction continues, it can cause further inflammation that can lead to a decline in kidney function. This decline may produce excess protein or blood in the urine.
Disease progression
Although progression of IgAN varies, continued inflammation can eventually cause the kidneys to fail, and dialysis or a transplant may be needed.
Do you have trouble describing what IgAN is? Use the section above to explain your IgAN diagnosis to family and friends.
Complement overactivation can play a key role in disease progression of IgAN
How Common Is IgA Nephropathy?
IgAN is one of the most common autoimmune kidney diseases
Almost 13 out of every million people in the United States are diagnosed with IgAN annually.