Incidence, demographic, biochemical, and clinicopathological profile of primary IgAN in a tertiary care center from Northern India

Abstract

Abstract Background Primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN) has variable distribution and clinicopathological spectrum throughout the world. We report the incidence, demographic, and clinicopathological profile of primary IgAN from a tertiary care center in Northern India. Methods This is a single-center, prospective, observational study conducted at Sheri- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, J&K, India, from January 2015 to December 2018. The study was approved by the hospital ethical committee. Results A total of 106 patients were included in this study, accounting for 19% (106/558) of all native kidney biopsies done during the period from January 2015 till December 2018. Males and females accounted for 60.4% (64/106) and 39.6% (42/106), respectively, with a ratio of 1.5:1. The mean age was 31.37±11.60 years. Edema and hypertension were the most common presenting symptoms and signs, seen in 69 (65.1%) and 72 (67.9%) patients, respectively. The baseline 24-h urine protein excretion was 2.32 ±1.34 g, Nephrotic range proteinuria (≥3.5g/day) was seen in 23/106 (21.7%). Average serum creatinine was 1.6±0.80 mg/dl and estimated glomerular filtration rate using CKD-EPI was <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 in 48.1% of patients (51/106). In patients with < 1 g proteinuria, 36.8% had E1, 78.9% had S1, 36.8% had T1, and 42.1% had T2 lesions. Conclusions IgAN is common in North India and has a more severe histopathological presentation, characterized by extensive sclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Renal dysfunction and nephrotic range proteinuria are common. Hypertension, low eGFR, and proteinuria correlate with the presence of segmental scarring, endocapillary hypercellularity, and IFTA. Screening of asymptomatic individuals might help in early diagnosis and long-term preservation of renal function.