IgA-Associated Glomerulonephritis

Abstract

In summary, IgA-associated glomerulonephritis is an interesting clinical problem. The immunohistochemical identification of renal IgA deposits is the sine qua non of its diagnosis, although most of the patients reported have had hematuric syndromes, particularly recurrent gross hematuria. The importance of this immunopathologic entity devolves from the crucial use of special stains to identify IgA, the enigmatic role of IgA, the usual mesangioapthic expression of histologic response, and the ill-defined relationship of this clinical problem to nephropathies associated with systemic diseases that also have glomerular IgA deposits. Although still unproven, it is likely that the usual instance of IgA-associated glomerulonephritis is due to deposition of circulating immune complexes containing IgA. The nature of the exciting antigen(s), quantitative measures and characteristics of such complexes, and the role of mediating systems, including coagulation, have not yet been elucidated.

Immunological Abnormalities in Healthy Relatives of Patients with IgA Nephropathy

“…2], Up to now the role of immune cells in this nephropathy has received little attention. This topic was not mentioned in the complete reviews on IgA nephropathy made by Lowance et al [3] and McPhaul [4], However, taking into account the high serum IgA levels found in these patients, the possible cel lular abnormalities ought to be suspected. In this regard, the existence of high serum levels of polymeric IgA [5], probably due to their elevated production by peripheral stimulation [6], has been demonstrated.…”

Purpura Schönlein-Henoch bei einer 80-jährigen Patientin

“…Die Verschlechterung der Nierenfunktion hinkt der Hämaturie um durchschnittlich 4 Wochen hinterher. Die Nierenbeteiligung gleicht histologisch und im Verlauf einer IgA-Nephropathie Berger, der häufigsten Glomerulonephitis bei Erwachsenen in Asien und der westlichen Welt und vermutlich eine der Purpura Schönlein-Henoch verwandte Erkrankung (5,9,10). Dazu passt, dass sich ein Morbus Berger zu einer Purpura Schönlein-Henoch entwickeln kann (1,11,13).…”