title: [Major characteristics of immunoglobulin A nephropathy].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is one of the most common forms of primary glomerulonephritis in many countries. Most clinical features of IgAN point to a renal problem, such as recurrent macroscopic hematuria or asymptomatic microscopic hematuria and proteinuria. Pathologic features of IgAN present with different types and different degrees of glomerular, tubulointerstitial and vascular lesions. The aim of this study was detailed analysis of clinical and laboratory findings, as well as findings of immunofluorescence and light microscopy. We also investigated associations between these factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  We investigated 60 patients who underwent renal biopsy. The study was partly retrospective and partly prospective.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average age of patients was 34.19 years. Male female ratio was 2.33:1. IgAN was most frequently asymptomatic (83.33%) as microhematuria and proteinuria, while gross hematuria was found in 16.667%. Renal biopsy material was analyzed by light microscopy revealing changes in all glomerular structures. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated dominant IgA deposits. This study established association of glomerulosclerosis with clinical features of disease.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  IgAN frequently develops in the 4th decade of life, mostly in males and presents as asymptomatic (83.33%). Pathohistological changes include all glomerular structures. There is no specific serological test for IgAN, but pathological changes affect clinical features of the disease, as proteinuria and increase of creatinine concentration.
authors.affiliation: Institut za interne bolesti, Klinika za nefrologiju i klinicku imunologiju, Klinicki centar, Novi Sad.
authors.forename: Lada
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Petrović
authors.forename: Slobodan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Curić
authors.forename: Igor
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mitić
authors.forename: Dusan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bozić
authors.forename: Slavenka
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vodopivec
authors.forename: Vladimir
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sakac
authors.forename: Tatjana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Durdević-Mirković
authors.forename: Tatjana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ilić
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005922:Glomerulonephritis, IGA / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged