Did you know people of Asian descent are at higher risk of having IGA Nephropathy?
IgA Nephropathy is one of the most common kidney diseases behind those caused by high blood pressure or diabetes. It is also more common among Asians. While there is currently no cure for the condition, when caught early, steps can be taken to prevent or delay kidney failure.
Get the facts
- IgA Nephropathy is a disease that damages the kidneys. It occurs when IgA immunoglobin—a protein that usually helps the body fight infections—becomes abnormal, causing it to settle in the kidneys and affect the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood. Learn more.
- There is currently no cure for IgA Nephropathy, but common treatments include lifestyle changes, supplements, medications that lower blood pressure and cholesterol, medications that reduce inflammation, and/or medications that suppress the immune system.
ASIAN Americans are at higher risk of having IgA Nephropathy
In a global study of patients who underwent kidney biopsies, Asian populations had the highest frequency of IgA Nephropathy — 40-50% — compared to 20-30% in the European population and .5% in the African population
IgA Nephropathy is the most common cause of kidney failure in East Asian countries. People of East Asian descent are also at a disproportionately high genetic risk for IgA Nephropathy.
The risk of IgA Nephropathy progression to kidney failure in South Asians is higher than reported in East Asian and Caucasian populations.
The percentage of kidney failure attributable to IgA Nephropathy is 5 times greater in Asian Americans than Caucasians and 15 times greater in Asian Americans than African Americans.
See if you should get screened for IgA Nephropathy by taking our quiz
Knowing your risk of IgA Nephropathy can help you catch the disease early if you have it.
GET A FREE HEALTH SCREENING
If you think you may be at risk for IgA Nephropathy, it’s important to reach out to your primary care doctor or a kidney doctor/specialist, known as a nephrologist.
The Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP) also provides free kidney health screenings throughout the country.
Search your state to find a KDSAP chapter near you and learn more about upcoming free health screening events.
Don’t see a nearby health screening location or need help finding a kidney doctor? Please email info@igan.org. We’re happy to help.
Get the Fact Sheet
Download this fact sheet for more info on IgA Nephropathy.
