IgA Nephropathy in Children: Causes, Signs & Management

🧬 IgA Nephropathy in Children: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

IgA Nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is a kidney condition caused by deposits of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the glomeruli. It can affect children and often follows an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Early recognition and appropriate management are key to preventing long-term kidney damage.

👶 Common Symptoms in Children

Children with IgA Nephropathy may present with:

• 🔴 Recurrent macroscopic haematuria (visible blood in urine), often triggered by a recent URTI

• ⚡ Flank pain or discomfort

• 🧪 Microscopic haematuria, which may be asymptomatic and sometimes accompanied by proteinuria

• 🚨 Rare cases may involve acute kidney injury and crescentic glomerulonephritis

🔍 Diagnostic Investigations

• Plasma IgA levels may be elevated in some cases, but this does not correlate with disease severity or progression.

• A renal biopsy is typically required for a definitive diagnosis. It reveals IgA deposits in the glomerular mesangium, confirming the condition.

💊 Treatment & Management

Management depends on the severity of symptoms:

• ✅ Microscopic haematuria without proteinuria usually requires no treatment.

• ⚠️ If macroscopic haematuria and proteinuria are present, immunosuppressive therapy may be considered:

  • Prednisolone

  • Azathioprine

• 📉 Despite treatment, 20–25% of patients may progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD) over time.

📈 Prognosis & Follow-Up

Regular follow-up with a pediatric nephrologist is essential. Monitoring includes:

• Urinalysis for haematuria and proteinuria

• Blood pressure checks

• Renal function tests

Early intervention can help slow disease progression and improve outcomes.

 

🧠 Quick Quiz

1. Which condition may follow an upper respiratory tract infection in children?
   • A) Nephrotic syndrome
   • B) IgA Nephropathy
   • C) Urinary tract infection
   • D) Diabetes insipidus ✅ Correct Answer: B Explanation: IgA Nephropathy often presents with macroscopic haematuria following a URTI.
2. What is the most definitive diagnostic tool for IgA Nephropathy?
   • A) Urinalysis
   • B) Blood pressure monitoring
   • C) Renal biopsy
   • D) Plasma IgA levels ✅ Correct Answer: C Explanation: A renal biopsy confirms the diagnosis by showing IgA deposits in the glomerular mesangium.