Can Having IgA Nephropathy Affect How Long You Live?

# IgA Nephropathy and Life Expectancy: What You Need to Know

Receiving a diagnosis for a chronic condition like IgA nephropathy (also known as Berger’s disease) can be overwhelming. Your mind likely races with questions about treatment, lifestyle changes, and the future. For many, the most pressing and difficult question is: **Can having IgA nephropathy affect how long you live?**

The short answer is that it can, but the full picture is much more complex and, for many, more hopeful than you might think. Your prognosis is not set in stone. It depends on a wide range of factors, including the severity of your disease, how your body responds to treatment, and the proactive steps you take to protect your kidney health.

This guide will walk you through the factors that influence life expectancy with IgA nephropathy, how you can improve your outlook, and what modern medicine offers to help you live a long, healthy life.

## What is IgA Nephropathy (Berger’s Disease)?

Before we dive into prognosis, it’s helpful to understand the basics. IgA nephropathy is an autoimmune disease that affects your kidneys. It occurs when an antibody called Immunoglobulin A (IgA) builds up in the glomeruli—the tiny filtering units in your kidneys.

These IgA deposits trigger inflammation and damage the glomeruli over time, making it harder for your kidneys to:
* Filter waste from your blood
* Regulate blood pressure
* Balance fluids and electrolytes

This damage can be slow and silent for years, or it can progress more rapidly. Because it’s a highly variable disease, each person’s journey is unique.

## The Direct Answer: How IgA Nephropathy Can Affect Lifespan

IgA nephropathy exists on a wide spectrum. Many people with the condition will live a completely normal lifespan with little to no impact on their kidney function. They may only require monitoring to ensure the disease remains stable.

However, for a significant portion of individuals, the disease does progress. Studies show that approximately 20-40% of people with IgA nephropathy will develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or kidney failure, within 20 to 25 years of their diagnosis.

Reaching ESRD means your kidneys can no longer function on their own. At this point, life-sustaining treatments like dialysis or a kidney transplant are necessary. While this is a serious outcome, it is important to remember that these are effective treatments that allow people to continue living full and productive lives. Therefore, even with progression to kidney failure, IgA nephropathy is not a death sentence.

## Key Factors That Influence Your Prognosis

Your nephrologist (kidney specialist) will look at several key markers to predict the course of your disease and tailor your treatment. Understanding these factors can empower you to have more informed conversations with your healthcare team.

### H3: Proteinuria (Protein in Your Urine)
This is one of the most critical indicators of your prognosis. Healthy kidneys keep protein in your blood. When the filters are damaged, protein leaks into your urine.
* **Low Risk:** Little to no protein in the urine (less than 500 mg/day).
* **High Risk:** Persistent, high levels of protein in the urine (more than 1,000 mg/day) suggest more active inflammation and a higher risk of declining kidney function. Reducing proteinuria is a primary goal of treatment.

### H3: Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure is both a cause and a consequence of kidney damage. Uncontrolled hypertension puts extra stress on your blood vessels, including those in the kidneys, accelerating damage. Keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range (ideally below 125/75 for those with proteinuria) is crucial for slowing disease progression.

### H3: eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
Your eGFR is a blood test that measures how well your kidneys are filtering waste. It’s reported as a percentage of normal kidney function. A consistently declining eGFR over time indicates that your kidney function is worsening. Your doctor will track this number closely at every visit.

### H3: Kidney Biopsy Results
A kidney biopsy provides a direct look at the extent of damage. Pathologists use a system called the Oxford MEST-C score to grade the level of:
* **M**esangial hypercellularity (too many cells in the filters)
* **E**ndocapillary hypercellularity (inflammation within the filter capillaries)
* **S**egmental glomerulosclerosis (scarring in parts of the filters)
* **T**ubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (scarring of the kidney tissue)
* **C**rescents (structures indicating severe, active injury)

A higher score, particularly for scarring (S and T), suggests a higher risk of progression.

## How to Improve Your Outlook and Manage IgA Nephropathy

While you can’t change your biopsy results, there is so much you *can* do to protect your kidneys and slow the progression of the disease. Proactive management is your most powerful tool.

### H3: Partner with Your Nephrologist
Regular follow-ups are non-negotiable. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure, eGFR, and proteinuria to adjust your treatment plan as needed. Be open and honest about your symptoms and any challenges you face with your treatment.

### H3: Control Your Blood Pressure
Medication is key. Doctors often prescribe ACE inhibitors (like lisinopril) or ARBs (like losartan). These medications are excellent for IgA nephropathy because they do two things: they lower blood pressure and have a protective effect on the kidneys by reducing proteinuria.

### H3: Adopt a Kidney-Friendly Diet
What you eat has a direct impact on your kidneys. A renal dietitian can help you create a personalized plan, but general guidelines include:
* **Low Sodium:** Aim for less than 2,000 mg of sodium per day to help control blood pressure and fluid retention.
* **Moderate Protein:** Eating too much protein can overwork your kidneys. Your doctor will recommend the right amount for you.
* **Heart-Healthy Fats:** Focus on sources like olive oil, avocados, and nuts.

### H3: Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle
Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference:
* **Exercise Regularly:** Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
* **Maintain a Healthy Weight:** Excess weight puts a strain on your kidneys.
* **Quit Smoking:** Smoking damages blood vessels and speeds up kidney disease.
* **Avoid NSAIDs:** Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can harm your kidneys. Ask your doctor about safe pain relief options.

## What Happens If Kidneys Fail?
If your IgA nephropathy progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), it means your eGFR has fallen below 15%. At this stage, your treatment options are dialysis or a kidney transplant.
* **Dialysis:** This is a procedure that artificially filters your blood. It can be done at a center (hemodialysis) or at home (peritoneal dialysis).
* **Kidney Transplant:** This involves surgically placing a healthy kidney from a donor. A transplant is considered the best treatment for ESRD, offering a better quality of life and longer life expectancy than long-term dialysis.

## Final Thoughts: A Hopeful Outlook

So, **can having IgA nephropathy affect how long you live?** Yes, it is a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. However, a diagnosis is not a prediction of a shortened life.

For many, the disease will remain stable for decades or a lifetime. For those with a more aggressive form, modern treatments, diligent monitoring, and proactive lifestyle changes can dramatically slow its progression. And even in the case of kidney failure, dialysis and transplantation are effective, life-saving therapies.

Your future with IgA nephropathy is largely defined by how you and your healthcare team manage it together. Focus on what you can control: your diet, your blood pressure, your lifestyle, and your commitment to your treatment plan. By doing so, you can work toward the goal of a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.