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Urology (Expert Forum)
Kidney Dysfunction
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Kidney Dysfunction
by LMTrim, Jan 28, 1998 12:00AM
Re: Kidney Dysfunction
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Posted by HFHS M.D.-MS on February 02, 1998 at 10:30:21:
In Reply to: Kidney Dysfunction posted by LMTrimm on January 28, 1998 at 17:03:48:
:
History of tic bite with dx lyme disease. Further studies noted possibility of Bright's Disease. Please provide info on Bright's Disease. Also need info on IgA in relation to this. Emphasis on prevention of future complications and maintaining optimum kidney health for male age 32. At present, overall, asymptomatic. Thank you.
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Dear LMTrimm:
Thank you for your questions.
Sorry it took me sometime to get back to you. Bright’s disease is not referenced in my current nephrology text. Bright’s disease is a term previously used to describe all inflammatory diseases of the kidney called gomerulonephrities. Since more information has been learned (since Dr. Bright in the late 1800’s ) these glomrulonephrities have been further characterized by their appearance under the microscope and/ or the proteins that accumulate in the filtering portion of the kidney. IgA glomerulonephritis is called Berger’s disease and it is the protein immunogloibulin A which accumulates around the kidney filter. This damages the kidney so it can not filter effectively. A kidney biopsy is used to diagnosis this. (Please see my answer on 1/20/98 regarding Minimal Change Disease. )
As far as the prognosis for IgA nephropathy is concerned, the “1/3 rule” applies: 1/3 of those affected remain stable, 1/3 progress, and 1/3 get better. Since no cure has been discovered, prevention of complications by close medical follow-up is the accepted long term care. If progressive signs and symptoms are experienced ( increasing blood or protein in the urine, higher blood pressure, generalized swelling ) a trial of steroids can be used to attempt to abort this progression. Steroids are not used in minimal or asymptotic disease because of the risk of side effects.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653 6568).
Good Luck,
HFHS-M.D. MS
*Keyword: IgA Nephropathy, Berger’s Disease
