What to Expect as IgA Nephropathy Progresses

The progression of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals may experience a slow, gradual decline in kidney function over many years, while others may experience a more rapid progression of the disease. The rate of progression is influenced by several factors, including the severity of the initial kidney damage, the presence of other underlying medical conditions, and the effectiveness of treatment.

Here is a general overview of what to expect as IgAN progresses:

Early stage: In the early stage of IgAN, there may be no noticeable symptoms or signs of kidney damage. The condition is often detected through routine urine or blood tests.

Proteinuria: As the disease progresses, the kidneys start to leak protein into the urine, a condition known as proteinuria. This is often the first noticeable sign of IgAN.

Hematuria: Another common symptom of IgAN is hematuria, which refers to the presence of blood in the urine. This can range from microscopic hematuria, which can only be detected through a urine test, to gross hematuria, which is visible to the naked eye.

Decreased kidney function: As IgAN progresses, the kidneys may gradually lose their ability to filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood. This can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body and can eventually result in kidney failure.

Hypertension: High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common complication of IgAN and can further accelerate the progression of kidney damage.

Edema: Edema, or swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles, can occur as a result of decreased kidney function and fluid retention.

Anemia: Anemia, a condition characterized by a low red blood cell count, can also develop as the kidneys become less able to produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.

End-stage renal disease: In severe cases of IgAN, the kidneys may eventually fail, leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). At this stage, dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary to sustain life.

It's important to note that the progression of IgAN can be highly variable and unpredictable. Regular monitoring of kidney function, blood pressure, and urine analysis can help to detect and manage the disease effectively, potentially slowing or halting the progression of kidney damage.