IgA Nephropathy in North West Frontier Province of Pakistan

Background: IgA nephropathy is the most common form of glomerulonephritis in the world. The extent to which IgA nephropathy is diagnosed depends upon the local attitude towards urine testing and renal biopsy. This study was conducted to know the frequency and behavior of IgA nephropathy in our setup. Material and Methods: This study was conducted at Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, from July 2005 to December 2006. Kidney biopsy was performed in 120 patients having glomerulonephritis. Those with IgA nephropathy were further studied. Results: Out of 120 patients with glomerulonephritis, 25 (20.83%) were having IgA nephropathy. Among these 21 (84%) were males and 4 (16%) females. Majority of patients were 20-39 years old and had microscopic haematuria with non-nephrotic range proteinuria. Six (24%) patient had impaired renal function and they were also hypertensive. Only one (4%) patient had nephrotic range proteinuria and none had gross hematuria. Conclusion: IgA nephropathy is not uncommon in our setup. Majority of patients have microscopic hematuria with non-nephrotic range proteinuria. Hypertension and renal insufficiency occurs in 24% of these patients.