IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a type of kidney disease that affects the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units within the kidneys. To diagnose and monitor IgAN, patients typically undergo a range of tests, including blood labs for kidney diseases, urine tests for kidney disease, and imaging studies.
Some of the key lab measurements that doctors track in IgAN patients include:
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IgAN labs are important for several reasons. For one, these tests are essential for diagnosing the disease and distinguishing it from other forms of kidney disease. IgAN is a relatively common type of kidney disease, but it can be challenging to diagnose based on symptoms alone. Blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies can all help to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the disease.
These lab metrics are also important for monitoring the progression of IgAN over time. IgAN is a progressive disease that can lead to chronic kidney failure if left untreated. Regular monitoring of kidney function is crucial to slowing the progression of the disease.
Creatinine is a waste product created by the muscles in the body. The kidneys filter it out of your blood and release it through urine. Since the kidneys play a major role in removing creatinine from the bloodstream, creatinine levels in the blood are used to gauge how well your kidneys are working.
So, what is the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and how does it relate to creatinine monitoring? GFR is a measure of how effectively the kidneys filter waste products from the blood. It’s calculated by measuring the amount of creatinine in the blood and other factors like age, sex, and weight. A lower GFR indicates poorer kidney function, while a higher GFR suggests better kidney function.
Keeping track of your creatinine levels and GFR is crucial if you have kidney disease or are at risk for developing it. You might wonder, “How often do I measure GFR?” The frequency depends on the stage of kidney disease. For people at risk of kidney disease, it’s typically recommended to check GFR at least once a year. However, those with known kidney disease should do it more frequently.
During an IgA nephropathy (IgAN) flare-up, a person may experience a range of symptoms, including:
If you have been diagnosed with this disease, it’s important to watch for IgA nephropathy flare-up symptoms so that you can take immediate and appropriate action. You might wonder, “What are healthy creatinine levels?” and “What are dangerous creatinine levels?” The normal range for creatinine levels can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and muscle mass, but in general, a creatinine level of 0.6 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is considered normal.
Dangerous creatinine levels in IgAN depend on the severity of the disease and the individual's baseline creatinine levels. Generally, a creatinine level above 2.5 mg/dL is considered a sign of moderate to severe kidney dysfunction, while levels above 4.0 mg/dL may indicate severe kidney damage or even kidney failure.
Speaking with your nephrologist about flares is crucial for minimizing flare-ups and ensuring that your creatinine levels remain within a healthy range. It's important to communicate any concerning symptoms to your nephrologist so that they can help you manage your condition effectively.
Living with IgA nephropathy involves making some lifestyle changes to help manage the condition and protect kidney function. Some of the recommended lifestyle adjustments for IgAN include:
By implementing these IgA nephropathy lifestyle changes, patients can achieve better outcomes and, in many cases, slow the progression of the disease.
While there is no cure for IgAN, dietary changes may help manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. The IgA nephropathy diet typically revolves around limiting the intake of salt.
Specific IgA nephropathy foods to avoid or consume in moderation include:
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and turkey is recommended. Patients might consult with an IgA nephropathy diet book for information on recommended foods. Resources such as these emphasize the importance of avoiding processed and high-sodium foods while incorporating healthy options like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. They also provide specific IgA nephropathy diet recipes.
In some cases, a gluten-free diet can also be beneficial for individuals with IgAN. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and some studies have shown that patients may benefit from avoiding gluten in their diets. However, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes.
In addition to dietary changes, certain supplements can be beneficial for individuals with IgAN. Fish oil supplements, for example, contain omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve kidney function. Other supplements, such as vitamin D and probiotics, may also be beneficial but should be discussed with a healthcare provider before incorporating them into your daily routine.
Living with IgA nephropathy can be challenging, so if you have been diagnosed with the disease, it is important to work closely with your doctor to manage symptoms. Both dietary changes and lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and stress management, play essential roles in maintaining your overall health and well-being
Despite the challenges that patients face when dealing with this disease, there is good news when it comes to IgA nephropathy: new treatment options are becoming available. One of the most promising is a medication called Tarpeyo, also known as budesonide. Another recently approved medication is Filspari (sparsentan). Both Tarpeyo and Filspari IgA nephropathy treatments have proven effective in treating IgAN in clinical trials, particularly in patients with early-stage disease or mild to moderate symptoms.
Tarpeyo has been shown to reduce proteinuria (the presence of excess protein in the urine), which is a common symptom of IgAN. Similarly, Filspari has been granted accelerated approval by the FDA to reduce proteinuria in adults with primary IgAN at risk of rapid disease progression. Filspari is a once-daily oral medication designed to selectively target two critical pathways in the disease progression of IgAN (endothelin-1 and angiotensin II). The continued approval of Filspari may be contingent upon confirmation of clinical benefit in the ongoing Phase 3 PROTECT Study. Topline results from the two-year confirmatory endpoints in the PROTECT Study are expected in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Both Tarpeyo and Filspari recently received FDA approval and are likely to be tremendously helpful in managing the disease. Price plans for these medications can vary depending on your insurance and where you purchase them, so it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to compare your options.
Alternative treatments for IgA nephropathy include:
As discussed earlier in this post, natural options for IgA nephropathy treatment can also be beneficial. These include stress management and lifestyle modifications in addition to dietary changes. However, it’s important to note that natural treatments should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment for IgAN. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any natural treatment or supplement regimen.
While healthcare still has a long way to go in terms of treating IgAN, new treatments are entering the market regularly. Clinical trials are ongoing in an attempt to determine which treatments work best under varying circumstances. If you have IgAN and are interested in contributing to this research from home, you might consider partnering with Picnic Health.
By doing so, you can share your story and help promote better outcomes for the treatment of IgAN. You will receive updates when available, allowing you to see how the research progresses over time.
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List the names of all the doctors, hospitals, and other facilities your loved one visits regularly, along with those they have visited in the past. Try to go back as far as you can, striving for at least the last 5-10 years, but do your best. Even if you can’t remember them all, having a strong baseline can help you quickly identify gaps in records.
It is important to make sure that you are fully empowered to make decisions on behalf of your loved one with Alzheimer’s. Your relationship status with the patient may not be enough to legally give you access to your loved one's medical information. It is a good idea to talk to an expert about securing special legal status, such as Power of Attorney (POA), a legal document that allows an individual to name someone as their decision maker should they no longer be able to make decisions on their own.
It’s important to have all of your loved one’s medical records together in one spot. This makes it much easier for you and your loved one’s physicians to accurately map the patient’s medical journey and more easily share information between doctors. Fortunately, tools exist to make record management and access simple. A free resource like PicnicHealth helps you collect and organize all of this information. PicnicHealth’s intuitive timeline allows you to pinpoint data across the medical history, eliminating your need for keeping heavy binders filled with paper records or keeping track of multiple software portal logins.
The better you understand your loved one's medical history, the better you can advocate on their behalf. Access and understanding of this information will help you to ask informed questions with physicians. Through regular communication backed by the data in the medical records, you can help your loved one’s care team develop a more successful care plan.
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Learn MoreWhen you’re juggling appointment times and insurance claims, putting a robust support system together might not strike you as the most urgent task. Investing the time to cultivate relationships with people can turn to in times of need will pay dividends. The next time you need a last-minute ride or just someone to listen, you won’t be on your own.
There are many condition-specific support groups and support groups for caregivers generally in person or online. In addition to the encouragement and empathy they provide, support groups can be a helpful source of tips, resources, and recommendations for navigating caregiving.
The backbone of effective caregiving is organization. Keep medical information, appointment schedules, and medication lists in order. Use a planner or a digital service like PicnicHealth to stay on top of your responsibilities. This attention to detail can prevent future complications and reduce day-to-day stress.
We’ve seen incredible breakthroughs in treatment over the past couple of years, powered by patients and their caregivers participating in research. Stay in the loop about the latest in medical advancements and available resources that could benefit your loved one. Whether it’s a new therapy option or a community service that aids independence, being informed can make a world of difference in the quality of care you provide.
It may seem self-centered to focus on self-care—but when you feel good, you can be a better caregiver. Whether it’s exercise, a mindfulness practice, a soak in the bath, or just time to rest when you need it, carve out those moments in the day when you can unwind, reset, and stay healthy mentally and physically. Think of it as building up your reserves of kindness, patience, and understanding—which can only benefit your loved one. No one can pour from an empty cup.
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Learn More(from 13 patients with LC-FAOD)
38% Female
15 providers / patient
7.5 years of data / patient
(from 13 patients with LC-FAOD)
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