Question
Most cases of IgA are not familial, that is, it doesn't run in families. However, family members do higher incidence of urine abnormalities.
Since most kidney diseases start without any symptoms it is helpful to do a yearly check on the kidney function and the urine for blood and proteins. If the tests are normal, you don't need to see a kidney specialist.
Dr Pary Sivaraman
Hi, I understand your worry given the unfortunate progression of your brother's disease. I hope he is coping well. I agree with Dr Ethan's answer. A general practitioner can check your kidney function (creatinine and the glomerular filtration rate, i. e. your approximate percentage of kidney function) and check for blood and protein leakage in the urine. I will add to check your blood pressure as well.
Some of the factors that affect the long term prognosis of patients with IgA nephropathy depends on the findings at presentation. If the kidney function is normal, blood pressure is normal and the protein leakage is minimal (less than 0. 5 g per day) they do have a good prognosis. Some of these patients can go into remission, that is, they have no protein leakage. The long term risk for kidney failure in patients with minimal protein leakage is about 40 to 50% at 30 years.
Get The Pill
Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox
