IgA nephropathy

Summary Seventy-five biopsy samples from patients with chronic renal disorders were examined by the usual techniques of light microscopy and immunofluorescence; in fifteen patients IgA nephropathy was found. These patients were young adults; the onset of the disease was characterized by macrohematuria, and recurrent episodes of hematuria were observed. Histological examination revealed proliferative endothelio-mesangial glomerulonephritis at various stages of development with focal or diffuse patterns; immunofluorescence revealed constant and intense positive reactions for IgA mainly in association with C3. It is assumed that there is a relationship connecting the more advanced histological changes, a more severe clinical course and the presence of IgM deposits.