Definition of IgA nephropathy:

IgA nephropathy is a kidney disorder characterized by blood in the urine. It is caused by inflammation of internal kidney structures and the deposit of IgA antibodies in kidney tissue.

It is also called Bergerâ ' s disease.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease) is a form of mesangial proliferative nephritis. It occurs when abnormal deposits of immunoglobin A build up inside the small blood vessels of the kidney. Structures in the kidney called glomeruli become inflamed.

The disorder can appear suddenly (acute), or progress slowly over many years (chronic glomerulonephritis).

Risk factors include having a personal or family history of IgA nephropathy or Henoch Schonlein purpura, a form of vasculitis that affects many parts of the body, and may cause a kidney lesion that is identical to the lesion of Berger's disease.

IgA nephropathy can occur in persons of all ages, but most often affects males in their teens to late 30s.