Long term follow up of IgA mesangial deposits glomerulonephritis

The clinical course of IgA Mesangial Deposits Glomerulonephritis (MDGN) has been investigated in 178 patients for 1 to 32 years (mean 6 years) from the onset of symptoms. Impairment of renal function occurred in 28 patients, 13 of whom required RDT or died in uraemia. Hypertension was observed in 67 patients. The actuarial survival rate at ten years was 91%. A significant correlation was observed between the occurrence of renal failure and the following features: absence of episodes of gross haematuria, early appearance of hypertension, marked proteinuria and sclerosing glomerular lesions. These data suggest that IgA MDGN has generally a very prolonged course, but in a few cases may evolve, sometimes early, to chronic renal failure.