IgA nephropathy: Missed diagnosis and renal transplant

Abstract

The most common form of chronic glomerulonephritis worldwide is IgA nephropathy (IgAN) where IgA immune complexes are deposited in the glomeruli. About 40%–45% of patients with IgAN present with macroscopic hematuria. Diagnosis occurs through kidney biopsy to visualize IgA deposition in the glomerular mesangial area using immunofluorescence microscopy. We presented a 21-year-old patient referred to the nephrology department for follow-up after renal transplantation. His condition started at the age of nine-year with macroscopic hematuria. At the age of 14 years, he presented with hematuria and serum creatinine of 62 umol/L and was diagnosed with acute cystitis. At the age of 18 years, the patient was admitted with generalized fatigue, muscle cramps, and gross hematuria. Kidney biopsy showed advanced glomerulosclerorosis and IgAN with mesangial hypercellularity. The patient was started on peritoneal dialysis for four months following which he underwent kidney transplant from a nonrelative living donor.