Clinicopathological Characteristics of Adult IgA Nephropathy in the United States

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a progressive autoimmune kidney disease and a leading cause of glomerular disease that can result in kidney failure (KF). The median age at diagnosis is 35 to 37 years and approximately 50% of patients will progress to KF within 20 years. We aimed to enhance the understanding of renal histology and chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage at the time of IgAN diagnosis using a large real-world biopsy cohort.

This retrospective cohort study evaluated biopsy data and clinical characteristics from adult patients within the US who were diagnosed with IgAN between January 1, 2016 to May 31, 2020. Descriptive statistics were summarized and relationship(s) between each Oxford Classification (MEST-C) component score with 24-hour proteinuria or CKD stage were examined using regression analysis.

A total of 4375 patients (mean age 47.7 years, 62.7% male) met eligibility criteria. Mild to moderate mesangial hypercellularity (47.3%), segmental sclerosis (65.0%), tubular atrophy ≥25% (57.4%), and crescents (18.5%) were identified; and 74.6% of patients were at CKD stage ≥3. Proteinuria ≥1 g/d was associated with higher MEST-C scores, and the odds of mesangial hypercellularity, segmental sclerosis, tubular atrophy, and crescents increased with CKD stage.

Most patients with IgAN in our US cohort were diagnosed at CKD stage ≥3 and had high MEST-C scores and proteinuria that are suggestive of significant disease burden at the time of kidney biopsy. Strategies are required to raise awareness and promote earlier detection of asymptomatic urinary abnormalities before extensive irreversible kidney damage has occurred.