Overview
Introduction
IgA nephropathy often first appears as blood in the urine during a respiratory infection, sometimes before the patient notices any loss of kidney function.
IgA nephropathy often first appears as blood in the urine during a respiratory infection, sometimes before the patient notices any loss of kidney function. The timing of hematuria helps distinguish it from delayed postinfectious glomerulonephritis, but it does not establish the diagnosis. The nurse follows three linked signals: glomerular urine findings, the amount of protein lost, and the direction of eGFR and blood-pressure change. Biopsy confirms IgA deposition. Persistent proteinuria identifies residual risk after supportive care and determines when nephrology-directed therapy needs to be considered.