IgA nephropathy and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis are two kidney diseases. Both diseases affect how the kidneys clean blood. There is a huge Difference Between IgA Nephropathy and Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis. IgA nephropathy is the most common kidney disease. It is a disease in which a protein called IgA accumulates in the kidneys, leading to swelling and damage. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis normally occurs after an infection in the throat. This disease mostly affects kids aged 5-15 years. The disease could cause swelling, high BP, and dark urination. It is nice if you know these diseases since knowing them early will save some serious problems.
Main Difference Between IgA Nephropathy and Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis
IgA nephropathy happens when an antibody called IgA builds up in the kidneys. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis occurs after an infection, usually from strep throat. IgA nephropathy can lead to chronic kidney disease in some patients. Most people with post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis recover fully. IgA nephropathy is one of the most common kidney diseases worldwide. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is less common but still seen in kids after strep infections.
IgA Nephropathy Vs. Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis
What is IgA Nephropathy?
Berger’s disease is the other name for IgA nephropathy. This is an issue with the kidney. The immunoglobulin A causes its accumulation in the kidneys. The inflammation caused here eventually leads to damage to kidney tissues. IgA supports immunity, but the immune system mechanism is faulty here. Nephropathy by IgA is one of the major diseases causing kidney ailments in people all over the world. It usually occurs in young adults, especially males. Its signs and symptoms are different from person to person.
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We don’t really know what triggers IgA nephropathy. It might be due to genes and other extrinsic factors. Approximately 30% to 40% of people with the condition may develop kidney failure within 20 years. Common signs and symptoms include blood in the urine, swelling in the legs, and high blood pressure. While there is no cure, there are ways of managing it. Doctors might often suggest medicines, diet changes, and regular follow-ups to see how the kidneys can keep up. Catching it early is important for health and quality of life.
What is Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (PSGN)?
PSGN refers to a kidney problem resulting from a streptococcus infection in an individual. This type of bacteria causes diseases such as strep throat or skin infections. After the infection has taken place, the body’s immune system attempts to fight back; however, it sometimes damages the kidneys due to the mistakes in this process. PSGN most often occurs in children, but it can happen to anyone. Symptoms typically begin one to two weeks after the infection and may include swelling, high blood pressure, and blood in the urine.
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Most patients with PSGN regain and are left free of the disease; however, some get complications that appear late in their life. Chronic kidney diseases may occur as late results of PSGN in as many as 5 to 15 percent of adults who experienced PSGN in their childhood. Medical management aims at the relief of symptoms as part of its treatment- antihypertensives to decrease blood pressure, diuretics, which decrease the swelling around the kidneys, intravenous hydration, and diets. Regular check-ups can track the health of kidneys and detect any problem arising there. Most people generally do well with early treatment and care.
Comparison Table “IgA Nephropathy Vs. Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis”
| Definition | Kidney disease with IgA buildup | Kidney inflammation after strep infection |
| Cause | Unknown, linked to immune response | Follows infection with streptococcus |
| Age of Onset | Usually in teens or young adults | Common in children, especially ages 5-15 |
| Symptoms | Blood in urine, mild swelling | Blood in urine, swelling, high blood pressure |
| Urinalysis Findings | Hematuria, proteinuria | Hematuria, proteinuria |
| Serum Tests | Normal complement levels | Low complement levels |
| Kidney Biopsy | IgA deposits in mesangial cells | Immune complex deposits |
| Progression | Can be chronic, varies by person | Often resolves, but can lead to chronic issues |
| Treatment | Control symptoms, blood pressure | Supportive care, treat strep infection |
| Prognosis | Variable; some may progress to ESRD | Generally good; most recover fully |
| Epidemiology | More common in Asians | More common after throat or skin infections |
| Recurrence | Can recur, especially after infections | Rarely recurs after initial episode |
| Immunology | IgA plays a key role | Immune response to strep bacteria |
| Complications | Hypertension, chronic kidney disease | Rare complications, usually resolves |
| Follow-up | Regular monitoring of kidney function | Monitoring for recovery and kidney function |
| Family History | Often no strong family link | Possible link in some cases |
| Gender Predilection | More common in males | More common in males |
| Associated Conditions | Can be linked to liver disease | Rarely associated with other diseases |
| Response to Infection | Symptoms may worsen after infections | Symptoms improve with antibiotic treatment |
| Education for Patients | Importance of regular check-ups | Importance of treating strep infections |
Difference Between IgA Nephropathy and Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis in Detail
Get to know the Difference Between IgA Nephropathy Vs. Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis in Detail.
Timing of Disease Onset
IgA Nephropathy condition usually starts quickly after an infection, often within a day or two. It mostly appears after a respiratory infection, like a cold or sore throat. Unlike other kidney diseases, IgA nephropathy is unique because symptoms often happen at the same time as the infection. This makes it a “synpharyngitic” disease, meaning the symptoms coincide closely with the illness, usually within 1-2 days.
PSGN takes longer to appear after an infection, usually showing up 1-3 weeks after a streptococcal infection, like strep throat or a skin infection. This delay, called the “latent period,” gives doctors a clue that PSGN might be the cause of kidney symptoms in children or adults after a known strep infection.
Cause of Disease
This disease happens when the immune system makes too much IgA, a type of antibody. IgA proteins then deposit in the kidneys, causing inflammation and damage over time. The exact reason why this happens isn’t fully known, but genetic factors and immune system problems play a role. The disease is also called “Berger’s disease” after the doctor who discovered it.
PSGN is caused by a reaction to toxins from a type of bacteria known as group A Streptococcus. When these toxins reach the kidneys, they can cause the immune system to overreact. This leads to kidney inflammation and can make the kidneys swell and lose function for a while. It is often a temporary condition, especially with treatment, and it doesn’t usually recur.
Main Symptoms and Warning Signs
The main symptom of IgA nephropathy is blood in the urine, which may look like tea or cola. This can happen suddenly and is sometimes painful. Other symptoms include protein in the urine, swelling (mainly in the hands and feet), and high blood pressure. Some people don’t notice symptoms at first, so the disease can go undiagnosed for years.
Symptoms of PSGN often include puffiness around the eyes, swelling in the hands and feet, and blood in the urine, which may appear reddish or brown. Some people also feel tired, nauseated, or have high blood pressure. These symptoms usually show up weeks after a strep infection and can last a few weeks before going away.
Age Group Most Affected
IgA nephropathy can happen at any age but is more common in teenagers and young adults. It affects males more than females, and it is one of the leading causes of kidney disease in younger people. Some studies have shown that people of Asian descent are more likely to develop IgA nephropathy than those from other backgrounds.
PSGN mostly affects children aged 5-15, especially those who have had recent infections like strep throat. It can also occur in older adults, but this is less common. The disease is rare in very young children and teenagers over 15 years of age. Boys are slightly more likely to get PSGN than girls.
Diagnosis and Detection
Doctors diagnose IgA nephropathy through a kidney biopsy, where a small piece of kidney tissue is examined under a microscope. Blood and urine tests are also used to check for high levels of IgA proteins, red blood cells, and protein in the urine. Since symptoms are mild at first, IgA nephropathy may go undetected until it progresses.
PSGN is often diagnosed by checking for a recent strep infection. Blood tests can show higher levels of antibodies against streptococcus, and a urine test can reveal blood, protein, and other signs of kidney inflammation. A biopsy is rarely needed unless symptoms are severe or persistent.
Long-Term Outlook
IgA Nephropathy disease can be long-lasting and, in some cases, leads to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. About 20-40% of patients may need dialysis or a kidney transplant over time. However, the disease progresses slowly, and some people may live with it for years without severe issues if managed well with medication.
Most people, especially children, recover fully from PSGN within a few weeks. Rarely, the disease can cause long-term kidney problems, especially in adults. With treatment, symptoms improve, and kidney function usually returns to normal within weeks or months.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment focuses on controlling blood pressure and reducing protein in the urine. Medications like ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly prescribed. In severe cases, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs are used to reduce inflammation in the kidneys. A healthy diet and lifestyle changes are also recommended to protect kidney health.
Treatment for PSGN is often supportive, meaning it helps the body recover on its own. Doctors may give diuretics to reduce swelling, and blood pressure medications if needed. In most cases, antibiotics are not necessary because the initial infection is already gone. However, antibiotics can help if the infection is still present.
Role of the Immune System
In IgA nephropathy, the immune system mistakenly releases too much IgA, which clumps up in the kidneys. This clumping damages kidney tissue and causes inflammation. Researchers think that IgA nephropathy may be related to other immune issues, but they are still trying to understand the exact causes.
In PSGN, the immune system responds to a streptococcal infection, causing inflammation in the kidneys. This reaction happens because the body releases antibodies to fight the infection, but these antibodies also get stuck in the kidneys. The immune response can be intense, causing swelling and tissue damage.
Global Prevalence and Risk Factors
IgA Nephropathy disease is found worldwide, but it is more common in some regions, such as Asia and parts of Europe. Risk factors include family history, male gender, and certain genetic backgrounds. About 25% of all chronic glomerulonephritis cases worldwide are due to IgA nephropathy.
PSGN is less common now in countries with good healthcare but still occurs in regions with less access to antibiotics. It can affect anyone, but children in crowded or low-income areas are at higher risk. Preventing strep infections and treating them promptly with antibiotics has helped lower the number of PSGN cases worldwide.
Key Difference Between IgA Nephropathy and Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis
Here are the key points showing the Difference Between IgA Nephropathy vs. Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis.
Timing of Onset
IgA nephropathy can develop slowly over years. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis usually appears 1 to 3 weeks after a strep infection.
Symptoms
Both conditions can cause blood in urine and swelling. However, IgA nephropathy may have milder symptoms over time.
Age of Patients
IgA nephropathy is more common in young adults and teenagers. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis often affects children.
Gender Prevalence
IgA nephropathy affects both genders but is more common in males. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis also affects boys more than girls.
Diagnosis Methods
Doctors diagnose IgA nephropathy with kidney biopsy and urine tests. For post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, doctors look at symptoms and history of strep infection.
Kidney Damage
IgA nephropathy can lead to long-term kidney damage. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis often improves with treatment and may not cause lasting damage.
Treatment Approaches
IgA nephropathy may require medications to lower blood pressure. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis often needs antibiotics for the strep infection.
Laboratory Findings
In IgA nephropathy, urine tests may show high levels of IgA. In post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, urine tests show signs of inflammation.
Immune Response
IgA nephropathy involves a problem with the immune system’s IgA antibodies. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis happens due to an immune response after a strep infection.
Edema (Swelling)
Both conditions can cause swelling. However, swelling in post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is often more pronounced.
Recurrence
IgA nephropathy can come back even after treatment. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis typically does not recur if the strep infection is treated.
Genetic Factors
IgA nephropathy may run in families, suggesting a genetic link. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis does not seem to have a strong genetic connection.
Long-term Monitoring
People with IgA nephropathy often need regular check-ups for kidney function. Most patients with post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis do not need long-term monitoring.
Lifestyle Changes
Managing IgA nephropathy might involve dietary changes and exercise. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis usually requires less lifestyle adjustment after recovery.
FAQs: IgA Nephropathy Vs. Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis
Conclusion
The Difference Between IgA Nephropathy and Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis is simple. IgA nephropathy and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis are different types of kidney disease. IgA nephropathy is immune-related and will take longer to progress. However, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis appears after a disease and can be healed instantly. Still, the medical treatment applies to both conditions. Their medications can be pills or alterations of diets. With these conditions’ differences, we now properly take care of our kidneys, and at the right moment we have to seek medical experts’ assistance. The quicker the patient detects his situation and submits himself for proper medical attention, the healthier his body condition becomes.
References & External Links
- Video of IgA Nephropathy (Berger’s Disease) – Nephrology
- Video of Acute Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (APSGN) -Nephritic Syndrome -Kidney Pathology-Nephrology
