[Recurrent significant bacteriuria and progression of IgA nephropathy]

Tubulointerstitial changes seems to be of decisive importance among factors influencing the prognosis of IgA nephropathy. In consequence of decreased protection ability of mucous membranes, in some cases masked urinary tract infections may stand in the background of the tubulointerstitial changes. In this study the connection between urinary tract infections, significant bacteriurias and the progression of IgA nephropathy was retrospectively investigated. The data and the progress of the disease of 19 IgA nephropathy patients with significant bacteriuria (microbiologically identified) were compared to 19 IgA nephropathy patients of similar age, sex and the time of follow-up without bacteriuria. During the follow-up (on the average 8.5 years), the renal function (values of serum creatinine) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Neither at start, nor at the end of the follow-up no significant difference was found in the two groups in the prevalence of proteinuria, haematuria, hypertension and between the values of serum parameters. On the basis of these data we assume, that with the help of frequent medical check up and adequate antibiotic treatment the unfavourable effects of urinary tract infections (chronic tubulointerstitial changes) can probably be fended off.