IgA nephropathy associated with coeliac disease

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, often associated with other autoimmune conditions.
• IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a kidney disease that can be linked to various systemic conditions.

Observation:

• A case report details a 24-year-old male initially diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome.
• The patient was subsequently diagnosed with stage 3B coeliac disease and Class I IgA nephropathy.

Findings:

• Serum analysis revealed elevated IgA and IgG antibodies against endomysium and gliadin.
• Treatment with a gluten-free diet, ACE inhibitor, and oral iron led to clinical improvement in CD and remission of nephrotic syndrome.

Implications:

• This case suggests a potential link between coeliac disease and IgA nephropathy.
• A gluten-free diet may be a crucial therapeutic strategy for patients with coexisting CD and IgAN, potentially resolving kidney disease.