[Mesangial IgA glomerulonephritis: a frequent case of terminal renal failure (author's transl)]

Two hundred and forty end-stage kidneys removed during transplantation, were studied by immunofluorescence. Mesangial IgA glomerulonephritis was demonstrated in 24 cases. Since mesangial IgA glomerulonephritis accounts for 10% of the cases of terminal renal failure requiring transplantation, its prognosis is not as mild as it was initially believed. About one third of the patients must eventually develop renal insufficiency. Such an unfavourable course is even possible when the disease began during childhood.