Bergers Disease

Introduction: Bergers disease is a kidney related disorder which occurs due to accumulation of antibody IgA in the kidneys. This accumulation leads to kidney damage that inturn leads to decrease in the efficiency of functioning of kidney ultimately causing renal failure. Hence, it is also called as IgA nephropathy. Symptoms: There may not be any symptoms in early stage and may go unnoticed for a long period of time. In severe conditions change in colour of urine or visible blood in the urine, pain in the back below the ribs, foam in the urine, hypertension, swelling of hands and feet may be observed.

Statistics: Death rate in United States due to renal diseases is 11.58 with 59,186 deaths that accounts for 2.72% of total deaths. Treatment: There is no cure for Berger’s disease .Depending on the symptoms doctor may prescribe medications to suppress immune system, control hypertension, reduce swelling in the body. The main idea is to slow down the rate of damage of kidneys. People with renal failure may need dialysis or may undergo kidney transplant.

Research: Currently researcher is being made to discover the molecular pathway that causes kidney damage, and suggest targets for drug development.