Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy: a Critical Look at the Geographical and Racial Disparity in Reported Prevalence

Abstract

IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) is undoubtedly the commonest primary glomerulonephritis in the world. The apparent benign nature at presentation in most cases, diagnostic criteria and observed racial disparity in prevalence, make IgAN to occupy a unique position among other primary glomerulonephritides. Surprisingly, IgAN is relatively rare amongst blacks who are known to have a disproportionately high renal disease burden. This review provides an overview of IgAN and discusses the limitations inherent in most of the published studies which have highlighted geographical and racial disparities in its prevalence. An attempt is also made to speculate on possible outcome of prevalence studies after recognized confounding factors have been adequately addressed.