Association Between Tonsillectomy and Outcomes in Patients With Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy

Importance: Immunoglobulin A nephropathy is a major cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide; previous methods of medical management, including use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and corticosteroids, remain unproven in clinical trials. Objective: To investigate the possible association between tonsillectomy and outcomes in patients with IgA nephropathy. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study included 1065 patients with IgA nephropathy enrolled between 2002 and 2004 and divided into 2 groups, those who underwent tonsillectomy and those who did not. Initial treatments (renin-angiotensin system inhibitors or corticosteroids) within 1 year after renal biopsy were also evaluated. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to account for between-group differences and 153 matched pairs were obtained. Follow-up concluded January 31, 2014. Analysis was conducted between September 11, 2017, and July 31, 2018. Exposure: Tonsillectomy. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the first occurrence of a 1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine level from baseline or dialysis initiation. Secondary outcomes included additional therapy with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors or corticosteroids initiated 1 year after renal biopsy and adverse events. Results: In 1065 patients (49.8% women; median [interquartile range] age, 35 [25-52] years), the mean (SD) estimated glomerular filtration rate was 76.6 (28.9) mL/min/1.73 m2 and the median (interquartile range) proteinuria was 0.68 (0.29-1.30) g per day. In all, 252 patients (23.7%) underwent tonsillectomy within 1 year after renal biopsy and 813 patients (76.3%) did not undergo tonsillectomy. The primary outcome was reached by 129 patients (12.1%) during a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 5.8 (1.9-8.5) years. In matching analysis, tonsillectomy was associated with primary outcome reduction (hazard ratio, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.13-0.77; P = .009). In subgroup analyses, benefit associated with tonsillectomy was not modified by baseline characteristic differences. Those undergoing tonsillectomy required fewer additional therapies 1 year following renal biopsy (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.20-0.63; P < .001) without increased risks for adverse events, except transient tonsillectomy-related complications. Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that tonsillectomy was associated with a lower risk of renal outcomes in patients with IgA nephropathy. The potential role of tonsillectomy should be considered for preventing end-stage renal disease in patients with IgA nephropathy.