Hematuria—Sign of IgA Nephropathy
IgA Nephropathy, Berger’s Disease as its alternative name, rarely show obvious symptoms before the patient realize it, especially when it attacks a child. However, hematuria or blood in urine is a very sign to record the risk of IgA Nephropathy.
Hematuria refers to the presence of red blood cells in urine. In normal case, there only a small amount of red blood cells in urine. Hematuria includes gross hematuria which can be seen by naked eyes and microscopic hematuria which is visible under a microscope.
Hematuria is a classic presentation of IgA Nephropathy which usually starts with a day or two of non-specific upper respiratory tract infection. The gross hematuria resolves after a few days, though microscopic hematuria may persist. These episodes occur on an irregular basis every few months and in most patients eventually subsides (although it can take many years.
How does IgA Nephropathy cause blood in urine?
IgA Nephropathy is an immune-mediated disorder, in which the immunoglobulin A deposits in the mesangium. To remove these foreign materials, the body mounts an inflammation, thus impairing the mesangium in glomeruli. Thus, the red blood cells pass through the mesangium and finally end up in urine.
Is there any other symptoms to indicate IgA Nephropathy?
Apart from red blood cells in urine, the patients with IgA Nephropathy also experience the following symptoms.
Protein in urine
In a small portion of patients with IgA Nephropathy (20~30%), they have microscopic hematuria and proteinuria(less than 2 grams/day).
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure usually occurs in IgA Nephropathy cases for kidneys not only remove the waste products in the body, but also regulates the blood pressure by secreting a substance called renin.
Nephrotic Syndrome is related to a poor prognosis of IgA Nephropathy. In this disorder, more than 3.5 grams of protein loss in urine in 24 hours.
Symptoms are just indicators to tell that you may be at risk of IgA Nephropathy, but only the further tests can make a final diagnosis.
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