My journey on the path to understanding IgA nephropathy: From bench to bedside

When Berger et al. first reported IgA nephropathy in 1968, the prognosis was generally thought to be benign. However, as more case data were accumulated, it became evident that not all patients with IgA nephropathy necessarily had a good prognosis. IgA nephropathy has a significant morbidity, culminating in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in about 40% of patients without treatment within 20 years of the diagnosis. Although almost 20% of patients remain stable in their renal function, 30%-40% of patients develop ESKD from its onset. The important factors of renal outcome in patients with IgA nephropathy is the severity of histopathological findings, heavy proteinuria, long duration of proteinuria, haematuria and hypertension.