A silent immune attack on the kidney could be treated by new drugs, if it can be found early

"IgAN is far from the most common cause of kidney disease, but up to 40 percent of people who have it will eventually require dialysis or a kidney transplant. Kelepouris's patient was diagnosed while he was still in the early stages of the illness, but that's uncommon. IgAN can develop asymptomatically for years, and by the time it's detected, most patients are already at advanced stages."

"Today there are emerging precision therapies that can preserve kidney function and potentially stop IgAN in its tracks. But early diagnosis is crucial. The sooner treatment gets underway, the better the odds that we can push off the need for dialysis, hopefully permanently, says Brad Rovin, a nephrologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center."

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is an autoimmune disease causing kidney failure in a significant portion of patients. The condition often develops asymptomatically for years, making early detection challenging. Most patients receive diagnosis at advanced stages, though emerging precision therapies now offer potential to preserve kidney function and delay or prevent dialysis. Early diagnosis is critical for treatment success. IgAN occurs when antibody proteins called immunoglobulin A malfunction, attacking kidney cells instead of protecting against pathogens. Nephrologists emphasize that prompt treatment initiation significantly improves outcomes for preserving kidney function.

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