IgA nephropathy (IgAN) presenting with the nephrotic syndrome

A 20 year old Nigerian male with the nephrotic syndrome was found to have IgA nephropathy (IgAN) on renal biopsy. The renal function at presentation was normal and his nephrotic syndrome initially responded to steroid therapy. However, significant deterioration in renal function was noticed 2 years later when his nephrotic syndrome relapsed. This is the first documented case of IgAN in a Nigerian. Considering the rather low renal biopsy rate in this environment, a number of cases with this nephropathy may be missed.