Features of IgA nephropathy in preschool children

Aim: The aim of this study is to clarify the age-related characteristics of pediatric IgA nephropathy. Patients and methods: Five cases in preschool c hildren less than 6 years old were analyzed and compared to 38 cases in old er children from 6 to 15 years old. Results: The group of younger children had higher incidences of gross hematuria, hypertension, proteinuria, and hy poproteinemia. Renal biopsy specimens in this group showed more intracapill ary lesions including mesangial cell proliferation and endocapillary prolif eration of glomeruli, but less segmental lesions, global sclerosis, and int erstitial changes. Conclusion: IgA nephritis in preschool children demonstr ated more symptoms of acute onset and less chronic renal injury.