Berger’s disease is a kidney disease caused by the protein IgA invading the kidneys, reducing their ability to remove waste products from the blood. It can be hereditary and is often associated with other health disorders. Symptoms can include bloody urine and swelling, and a kidney biopsy is required for diagnosis. There is no cure, but medications and dialysis can slow the deterioration of the kidneys, and a kidney transplant may be an option for some patients.
Berger’s disease is a form of kidney disease. It occurs when a protein known as IgA invades the kidneys. IgA is an antibody that can prevent the kidneys from performing their normal functions. Also known as IgA nephropathy or immunoglobulin A nephropathy, the disease can reduce the ability of the kidneys to remove excess waste products from the blood. Kidney failure can be one of the most distressing complications of Berger’s disease.
Since IgA is an antibody, its main purpose is to assist and not harm the body. Under normal circumstances, the antibody helps the immune system by fighting harmful pathogens. Sometimes, IgA builds up in the filter structures or glomeruli in the kidneys. When this happens, facilities cannot do their job and filter waste properly. This malfunction can lead to significant kidney damage.
Berger’s disease can be hereditary. For this reason, genetics can play an important role in who gets this disease. It is also sometimes seen in association with other health disorders. This disease is often found in individuals with celiac disease and cirrhosis of the liver. It has also been associated with individuals with certain bacterial and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections.
For some people with Berger’s disease, symptoms can appear over several years. In fact, many individuals won’t experience symptoms until their teens. One of the first noticeable signs of this disease can be bloody urine. This commonly happens soon after an infection in the respiratory system. Some people may also have swelling in the upper or lower limbs, such as the hands and feet. Often, the disease can cause an increase in blood pressure.
A kidney biopsy can confirm Berger’s disease. For this procedure, a small sample of kidney tissue is obtained and studied under a microscope. Before the biopsy is done, other tests may be conducted. Usually, a urinalysis is done to determine if there is blood in the urine. Additionally, a common kidney test, such as a creatinine test, may also be ordered.
There is no definitive cure for Berger’s disease. To slow the deterioration of the kidneys, certain medications may be prescribed. Because many people with this disease have high blood pressure, high blood pressure medications are commonly prescribed. These individuals will also benefit from keeping a close watch on blood pressure measurements. Corticosteroids and other types of immunosuppressants are also sometimes used as treatment.
If the kidneys become so damaged that a person enters kidney failure, more invasive treatments may be pursued. Commonly, individuals in these cases will be prescribed dialysis. This involves using a machine to filter waste from the body as the kidneys are no longer able to do this. For some individuals, a kidney transplant may be an additional treatment option. Most doctors follow patients with Berger’s disease closely, as the method of treatment may need to be changed over time.
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