IGA NEPHROPATHY - 30 YEARS ON

Thirty years since its discovery, IgA nephropathy (IgAN) has turned ou t to be the commonest primary glomerulonephritis around the world. The major presenting symptom is haematuria, with or without proteinuria. IgAN was initially considered a benign disease, but long-term follow-u p studies have shown the course to be slowly progressive with up to 50 % of the patients developing terminal renal failure after several deca des. The aetiology and pathogenesis are still unclear, but IgAN seems to be associated with a dysregulation of the immune response which is not very well understood. There is today no specific treatment. Effect ive blood pressure control is the cornerstone of therapy.