If this disorder leads to end-stage renal disease, the patient must go on dialysis or receive a kidney transplant. We do not know what causes IgA deposits in the glomeruli. But, since IgA nephropathy may run in families, genetic factors probably contribute to the disease. Kidney disease usually cannot be cured. Once the tiny filtering units are damaged, they cannot be repaired.
Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the disease and preventing complications.
One complication is high blood pressure, which further damages glomeruli. Some patients may benefit from limiting protein in their diet to reduce the buildup of waste in the blood. Patients with IgA nephropathy often have high cholesterol. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of The National Institutes of Health. February 3, 1998.