Course of renal function in IgA glomerulonephritis in children and adolescents

The pathophysiology of IgA GN was investigated in different stages of the disease. Seventeen patients who were between 3.5 and 16.5 years of age at the onset were included in the study. Clearance studies were performed repeatedly in 6 patients (in 5 of them over a period extending from the onset to 5-9.5 years) and only once in 9 patients (10-23 years after the onset). Two patients (one with uremia) were only evaluated clinically. CIn, CPAH and UNaV were studied during hydropenia (HP) and 3% isotonic saline volume expansion (VE). Shortly after the onset CIn, CPAH and UNaV were depressed. Renal function was essentially normal and 1 and 2 years after the onset in spite of signs of active disease. A supernormal GFR was found in 7 patients after they had had the condition between 5 and 17 years. After a duration of IgA GN for greater than 9 years 3 of 12 patients had developed hypertension and uremia and 2 had hypertension or labile BP. Three of 10 patients had a normal GFR and BP, but had increased natriuresis during VE. Only 2 of 10 patients were normotensive and had normal renal function. Disturbances in the renal function are thus frequent in all stages of IgA GN and the changes seem to be related to the duration of the disease. Exaggerated natriuresis may indicate progressive disease.