This flashcard is just one of a free flashcard set. See all flashcards!

IgA Nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is a kidney disorder caused by the accumulation of the antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the kidneys. This buildup leads to inflammation that can disrupt the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood effectively. Although the exact cause of IgA Nephropathy is not well understood, it is considered an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly targets the kidneys. Symptoms might include blood in urine, proteinuria, and high blood pressure. Over time, IgA Nephropathy can lead to chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure, necessitating treatments such as medication to manage blood pressure and proteinuria or dialysis and transplantation in advanced cases. Ongoing research is exploring new therapeutic approaches to better manage and treat this condition.