Patients with specific kidney conditions can look forward to improved treatment protocols. The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) group has issued an update to its clinical practice guidelines, focusing on two types of glomerular disease: immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) and immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV). The updated information was disseminated by nephrologists at the University of Cincinnati, as reported by MedCentral.
An autoimmune disease, IgAN, also known as Berger's disease, is manifested through the accumulation of IgA immune proteins in the kidneys, causing inflammation and potential kidney failure. IgAV, however, mainly strikes children, distinguished by the IgA-driven swelling and bleeding of small blood vessels, involving skin, joints, and notably, the kidneys. It's often set off by an infection.
The latest from KDIGO builds on their 2021 guide. New treatment insight provides a roadmap for risk assessment, diagnosis, general supportive care, and tailored drug therapies. As outlined by MedCentral, it also delves into the nuances of maternity, pediatrics, and handling aggressive disease progression.
"The guidelines will likely be updated again soon, given a few new targeted therapies that have completed multiple phase 3 studies with excellent results," Ahmad Anjak, MD, from the University of Cincinnati's Division of Nephrology, told MedCentral. The impact of these conditions, particularly IgAN, extends beyond physical health. "In addition to the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), most of these patients suffer from poor psychosocial functioning, such as anxiety, depression and fatigue, in addition to financial burden, so this is a promising time for IgAN patients and physicians taking care of them," added Manish Anand, MD, a fellow faculty member.
The future holds promise for those dealing with IgAN. "These are exciting times for IgA nephropathy patients, since we have robust research studies and multiple therapeutic agents that are currently approved and going to be approved soon that will change the trajectory and outcome of the disease, and lead to better clinical outcomes and better quality of life for IgA nephropathy patients, thereby reducing the progression to ESRD," Dr. Anjak concluded in his discussion with MedCentral. What this means for IgA nephropathy patients is a beacon of hope for more effective treatments and reduced risk of reaching end-stage kidney disease.
