Retrospective analysis of clinical and pathological features of adult IgA nephropathy

We aimed to retrospectively analyze the clinical and pathological feature of 288 adult patients with primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN) diagnosed by renal pathology in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, China. 288 adult IgAN patients were divided into two groups: group A, symptomatic IgAN group (146 cases) and group B, asymptomatic IgAN group (142 cases) identified by physical examination. Differences in clinical features and renal pathology classification were analyzed and compared. The body weight, BMI, serum IgA, IgG, IgA/C3, serum albumin and blood Hb in group A were significantly lower than those of group B (P < 0.05). Among 288 IgAN patients, the renal pathology classification mainly consisted of Lee SMK III, followed by IV, I, II, V. The differences in the renal pathology classification and Katafuchi R rating were not significant in the two groups. Additionally, renal antibody and complement deposits were mainly IgA+IgM+IgG+C3, and IgA deposit showed no obvious difference between the two groups. Renal biopsy should be performed properly for mild or even asymptomatic IgAN patients. Blood Hb serum albumin should be taken as important indicators during the follow-up time of IgAN patients, and the decline of these indicators may reveal the disease progression and the poor prognosis despite that they may be still in normal range at early stage.