IgM nephropathy

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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IgM nephropathy
Synonyms	Immunoglobulin M nephropathy
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Nephrology
Symptoms	Proteinuria, hematuria, edema, hypertension
Complications	N/A
Onset	Typically in childhood or young adulthood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Unknown, possibly immune system dysfunction
Risks	Family history, autoimmune disorders
Diagnosis	Kidney biopsy, urinalysis, blood tests
Differential diagnosis	IgA nephropathy, minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy, ACE inhibitors, ARBs
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, can lead to chronic kidney disease
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

A kidney disorder characterized by the presence of IgM antibodies in the glomeruli

IgM nephropathy is a kidney disorder characterized by the presence of immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in the glomeruli, which are the filtering units of the kidney. This condition is considered a form of glomerulonephritis, a group of diseases that cause inflammation of the glomeruli.

Pathophysiology

IgM nephropathy is marked by the deposition of IgM antibodies in the mesangial areas of the glomeruli. The exact mechanism by which IgM contributes to kidney damage is not fully understood. However, it is believed that the presence of IgM may activate the complement system, leading to inflammation and damage to the glomerular structure. This can result in impaired kidney function and proteinuria, where excess protein is found in the urine.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with IgM nephropathy may present with a variety of symptoms, including:

• Proteinuria
• Hematuria
• Hypertension
• Edema

The severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Some patients may have mild symptoms, while others may progress to more severe kidney damage.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of IgM nephropathy is typically made through a kidney biopsy. Under a microscope, the biopsy will show mesangial deposits of IgM antibodies. Immunofluorescence microscopy is often used to confirm the presence of IgM in the glomeruli.

Treatment

Treatment for IgM nephropathy is not standardized and can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Common approaches include:

• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Immunosuppressive drugs
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to control blood pressure and reduce proteinuria

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with IgM nephropathy varies. Some individuals may experience a benign course with minimal kidney damage, while others may progress to chronic kidney disease or even end-stage renal disease. Regular monitoring and management of symptoms are crucial to improving outcomes.

See also

• Glomerulonephritis
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Chronic kidney disease