Nephropathy

Nephropathy is damage to the kidney's blood-filtering structures; two forms are diabetic nephropathy, a complication of diabetes, and IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune condition in which antibody deposits inflame the glomeruli. Diabetic damage is more likely with uncontrolled blood glucose, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, a family history and certain ancestries. IgA nephropathy is more common in males and younger people, and its cause is unknown. Both may be silent for a long time; later features include protein or blood in the urine, leg swelling and fatigue. Diagnosis uses urine tests for protein, blood tests of kidney function and sometimes kidney biopsy. Treatment centres on blood pressure control with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, glucose control in diabetes, lifestyle measures and, in some IgA cases, immunosuppressants; the condition can progress to dialysis or transplant.

Seek urgent care for fever with flank pain, inability to pass urine, or blood in the urine. See a doctor for burning on urination that lasts more than two days, urinary symptoms that keep returning, or any change in urinary flow in men over 50. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.