Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff IgA nephropathy (nuh-FROP-uh-the) is a common kidney disease that occurs when an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA) lodges in your kidneys. This hampers your kidneys' ability to filter waste, excess water and electrolytes from your blood. Over time, IgA nephropathy — also called Berger's disease — can lead to blood and protein in your urine, high blood pressure, and swollen hands and feet.IgA nephropathy usually progresses slowly over many years, and although some people eventually achieve complete remission, others develop end-stage kidney failure. No cure exists for IgA nephropathy, but certain medications can slow its course.
Keeping your blood pressure under control and reducing your cholesterol levels also may help keep IgA nephropathy in check.
