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Chronic Kidney Disease

IgA Nephropathy (IgAN)

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IgA Nephropathy (IgAN)

Understanding IgA Nephropathy (IgAN)

Introduction to IgAN

IgA nephropathy (IgAN), also called Berger’s disease, is a disease that affects the kidneys. The kidneys have an important job of cleaning waste and extra fluids from the blood. In people with IgAN, a protein called immunoglobulin A (IgA) builds up in the kidneys. This causes swelling and damage, making it harder for the kidneys to work properly. Over time, IgAN can lead to serious kidney problems if not managed carefully.

Causes and Risk Factors

Doctors don’t know the exact cause of IgAN, but they believe it happens when the immune system doesn’t work as it should. Instead of helping protect the body, IgA proteins get stuck in the kidneys, leading to inflammation and scarring. Some people may have a higher risk of developing IgAN because of:

  • Genetics: If family members have kidney disease, the risk may be higher.
  • Infections: Some infections, like those affecting the throat or intestines, might trigger IgAN.
  • Immune system problems: Conditions that affect the immune system can play a role.

Diagnosing IgAN 

IgAN develops slowly, and many people don’t notice symptoms at first. However, as the disease gets worse, symptoms may include:

  • Blood in the urine (it may look pink or brown)
  • Foamy urine, which can be a sign of too much protein
  • Swelling in the hands, feet, or face due to fluid buildup
  • High blood pressure
  • Feeling very tired or exhausted

Doctors diagnose IgAN through:

  • Urine tests: Checking for blood and protein in the urine.
  • Blood tests: Seeing how well the kidneys are working.
  • Kidney biopsy: Taking a small piece of kidney tissue to look at under a microscope. 

Current Treatment Options for IgAN 

There is no cure for IgAN, but treatments can help protect the kidneys and slow down the disease. Doctors may recommend:

  • Blood pressure medicines to lower strain on the kidneys.
  • Diet changes, like eating less salt and protein, to reduce stress on the kidneys.
  • Immune system medicines to control inflammation and slow damage.
  • Dialysis or a kidney transplant for severe cases when the kidneys stop working properly. 

Living with IgAN 

People with IgAN may face daily challenges, including:

  • Feeling very tired or exhausted (fatigue)
  • Brain fog, which makes it hard to focus
  • Anxiety or depression due to dealing with a long-term illness
  • High blood pressure that needs to be managed
  • Gastrointestinal issues, like stomach pain or discomfort
  • Swelling in the body, especially in the ankles, hands, or face

Since IgAN gets worse over time, regular doctor visits and lifestyle changes are important to keep the kidneys as healthy as possible. 

IgAN Research and Progress

Scientists are working hard to find new treatments that could help people with IgAN. Clinical research is exploring new medicines that might protect the kidneys better and improve health outcomes.

Your experience with IgAN is important.

Sign up for our patient registry to gain more information on Takeda clinical trials aimed at improving IgAN management and discover how you might play a role in advancing IgAN research. Together, we can make a difference.

Join Our Community in Pioneering Potential Health Solutions

Your experience with IgAN is valuable. Take the next step in supporting IgAN research.

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Sign up for our patient registry today.  Together, we can make a difference.

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Keep connecting.

We know you're interested in signing up for Takeda's WeConnect to get direct communication about Takeda clinical trials, but just in case you are looking for other ways to get involved – please review the information below.

Plasma donation.

Plasma-derived therapies are critical, life-saving medicines that many people with rare and complex diseases rely on. Global demand for plasma-derived products, mainly immunoglobulins, has increased dramatically in recent years.

BioLife Plasma Services is Takeda’s global plasma collection network and an industry leader in the collection of high-quality plasma that is processed into life-saving plasma-based therapies that benefit thousands of people every day.

 

Learn more about plasma donation and how to help people who require life-saving plasma-based therapies by donating your plasma.

Visit BioLife

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Our goal is to be readily available to support clinicians and researchers in whatever way we can. We believe the best way to improve disease outcomes is through robust and open communication about the science and clinical evidence.

 

That’s why we love to hear from medical professionals—to hear your questions, to understand what you’re seeing in the clinic, and to discuss research.

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