Elderly versus young IgA nephropathy; an update on current data

Abstract

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a common glomerular disease affecting individuals across the age spectrum. However, there are differences in the presentation and prognosis of IgAN between elderly and young adults. Elderly patients with IgAN tend to present with more severe kidney disturbances, worse baseline renal function, and a poorer prognosis compared to young adults. The Oxford classification contributes to the overall prognosis of IgAN in elderly patients by improving prognostic assessment, providing a better determinant of kidney survival, and combining histopathologic findings with clinical features. It offers a more comprehensive approach to understanding the disease course and predicting outcomes in elderly individuals with IgAN. Understanding these differences is a fundamental basis for pinpointing potential therapeutic targets to mitigate age-related renal pathology in IgAN patients.