IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease)

Alternative names:

Berger's disease; nephropathy - IgA

Symptoms:

• changes in color of urine
  • bloody
  • urine dark, brown, or rust colored

• repeated episodes of dark or bloody urine

Signs and tests:

There are no specific changes on physical examination. Occasionally, blood pressure may be elevated or swelling (edema) of the body may be present.

• Urinalysis shows blood and red cell casts in the urine, and may also show protein and fats.
• Kidney biopsy shows deposits of IgA antibodies and confirms the diagnosis.
• Immunoelectrophoresis - urine shows antibodies to IgA.