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IgA Vasculitis

Table of Contents

IgA Vasculitis

Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis; IgAV; Henoch-Schönlein Purpura; HSP

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis, formerly called Henoch-Schönlein purpura, is a disease that causes small blood vessels to become inflamed and leak. IgA vasculitis is most common in young children between the ages of 4 and 7, but people of all ages can be affected. Learn about causes, symptoms and treatment.

Henoch–Schönlein purpura - Typical purpura on lower legs and buttocks

Image by Madhero88

About

Subsiding Inflammation in blood vessels

Image by TheVisualMD

Subsiding Inflammation in blood vessels

Monocytes, having matured into macrophages continue to destroy pathogens and cellular debris by ingesting them, while the inflammation process begins to subside.

Image by TheVisualMD

What Is Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Vasculitis?

IgA vasculitis, formerly called Henoch-Schönlein purpura or HSP, is a disease that causes the antibody immunoglobulin A to collect in small blood vessels, which then become inflamed and leak blood. Nearly all people with IgA vasculitis develop a red or purple rash. Some people with IgA vasculitis also develop problems with their gastrointestinal (GI) tract, joints, and kidneys because of inflamed blood vessels in the intestines, joints, and kidneys. In rare cases, the lungs, nervous system, or other organs may be affected.

The primary symptom of IgA vasculitis is a raised rash.

Most people recover from IgA vasculitis completely. However, the disease is sometimes more severe and can lead to acute kidney injury, which can progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Additional Materials (8)

Henoch-Schonlein purpura | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube

Henoch Schonlein Purpura

Video by Learning in 10/YouTube

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)

Video by Larry Mellick/YouTube

UK 2015 Vasculitis Symposium: Henoch-Schönlein purpura (immunoglobulin A vasculitis

Video by vasculitisfoundation/YouTube

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura: Visual Explanation for Students

Video by Zero To Finals/YouTube

What is vasculitis? | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube

Vasculitis pathophysiology | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube

Vasculitis: What you need to know - Mayo Clinic

Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube

6:04

Henoch-Schonlein purpura | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

9:59

Henoch Schonlein Purpura

Learning in 10/YouTube

4:32

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)

Larry Mellick/YouTube

24:51

UK 2015 Vasculitis Symposium: Henoch-Schönlein purpura (immunoglobulin A vasculitis

vasculitisfoundation/YouTube

8:02

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura: Visual Explanation for Students

Zero To Finals/YouTube

6:46

What is vasculitis? | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

5:57

Vasculitis pathophysiology | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine/YouTube

6:24

Vasculitis: What you need to know - Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic/YouTube

How Common Is It?

Illustration of rare disease incidence

Image by mcmurryjulie/Pixabay

Illustration of rare disease incidence

Image by mcmurryjulie/Pixabay

How Common Is IgA Vasculitis?

IgA vasculitis is rare. The number of new cases of IgA vasculitis is approximately 3 to 27 cases per 100,000 in children and infants and fewer than 2 new cases per 100,000 each year in adults.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Risk Factors

Autoimmune Diseases

Image by TheVisualMD

Autoimmune Diseases

Disorders that are characterized by the production of antibodies that react with host tissues or immune effector cells that are autoreactive to endogenous peptides. (NCBI/NLM/NIH)

Image by TheVisualMD

Who Is More Likely to Develop IgA Vasculitis?

IgA vasculitis is most common in young children between the ages of 4 and 7, but people of all ages can be affected.

You may be more likely to develop IgA vasculitis if you have a family history of the disease.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Causes

Respiratory Tract

Inflammation of the Lungs

Infection of the Lungs

1

2

3

Normal vs Inflammation vs Infected Lungs

Interactive by TheVisualMD

Respiratory Tract

Inflammation of the Lungs

Infection of the Lungs

1

2

3

Normal vs Inflammation vs Infected Lungs

1) Healthy Lungs - Lungs of a healthy individual 2) Inflammation - Inflammation in the lungs 3) Infection - Infection in the lungs

Interactive by TheVisualMD

What Causes IgA Vasculitis?

IgA vasculitis occurs when your body’s immune system attacks its own cells and organs. Researchers don’t know what causes this unusual immune system response. However, many people have an infection of the upper respiratory tract—the nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx—before developing IgA vasculitis. IgA vasculitis has also been linked with

bacteria and viruses
foods
immunizations
insect bites
medicines

Certain genes may increase the risk for IgA vasculitis.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Symptoms

Petechia purpura on the lower limb due to medication induced vasculitis.

Image by James Heilman, MD

Petechia purpura on the lower limb due to medication induced vasculitis.

Image by James Heilman, MD

What Are the Symptoms of IgA Vasculitis?

The symptoms of IgA vasculitis include

Rash. Leaking blood vessels cause a rash that looks like red or purple bruises or small red dots. The rash usually appears on the legs and buttocks, but may also appear on the arms, torso, and face. The rash is raised and does not disappear or turn pale when pressed. The rash is not painful and does not itch.
GI tract problems. Abdominal pain can range from mild to severe, with nausea or vomiting. Blood may appear in the stool, although the bleeding is usually not severe. In rare cases, more serious problems can occur such as intussusception—a condition in which a section of the bowel folds into itself like a telescope, causing the bowel to become blocked.
Joint pain and swelling. Pain and swelling often occur in the knees and ankles, and sometimes occur in the elbows, wrists, and small joints of the fingers.
Kidney problems. Hematuria—blood in the urine—is a common sign that IgA vasculitis has affected the kidneys. Proteinuria—large amounts of protein, including albumin, in the urine—and development of high blood pressure are signs of more severe kidney problems.
Other symptoms. In some cases, boys with IgA vasculitis develop swelling of the testicles. Symptoms affecting the central nervous system, such as seizures, and lungs, such as pneumonia, have been seen in rare cases.

Rash, abdominal pain, and joint pain and swelling are often the first symptoms to appear, and they can occur in any order. Symptoms involving the kidneys rarely develop first.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Diagnosis

Punch biopsy

Image by Brimstone

Punch biopsy

Skin biopsy

Image by Brimstone

How Do Health Care Professionals Diagnose IgA Vasculitis?

Health care professionals use your medical history, a physical exam, and lab tests to confirm your diagnosis of IgA vasculitis.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

What Tests Are Done?

How does vasculitis affect the nervous system?

Image by James Heilman, MD

How does vasculitis affect the nervous system?

A case of leukocytoclastic vasculitis due to minocycline

Image by James Heilman, MD

What Tests Do Health Care Professionals Use to Diagnose or Monitor IgA Vasculitis?

Your health care professional may perform a skin or kidney biopsy, blood and urine tests, and sometimes an ultrasound of the kidneys or abdomen to confirm the diagnosis and monitor your health. In some cases, a kidney biopsy may be used to asses and monitor the severity of the disease. Depending on the organs affected, your health care professional may suggest other tests.

Skin biopsy

Your health care professional may obtain a skin biopsy to test for antibody deposits on your skin and confirm a diagnosis of IgA vasculitis. To do a skin biopsy, the health care professional removes skin cells from your body to examine under a microscope. You will be given a local anesthetic so you don’t feel any pain.

Kidney biopsy

You may also need a kidney biopsy. A kidney biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of IgA vasculitis and provide information on the amount of kidney damage. Your health care professional will use the results of the kidney biopsy to help develop a treatment plan. The kidney biopsy is performed in a hospital with local anesthetic and, in some children, sedation.

Blood and urine tests

Your health care professional may use blood and urine tests to check the health of your kidneys. A urine sample can be used to determine whether there is blood or protein in your urine, which is a sign that the IgA vasculitis is affecting your kidneys. A blood test can check how well your kidneys are working.

Ultrasound

Depending on your symptoms, your health care professional may want you to have an ultrasound to check for GI or kidney problems.

Your health care professional will monitor your symptoms to determine if they are getting better. You may continue to have blood and urine tests to check your kidney function for at least 6 months after most of your symptoms disappear. Your health care professional will monitor you more closely if your tests show kidney damage, as this puts you at greater risk for developing CKD.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Skin Biopsy

Skin Biopsy

Also called: Skin Lesion Biopsy

A skin biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of skin for testing. Skin biopsies are used to check for skin cancer, skin infections, or skin disorders, such as psoriasis.

Skin Biopsy

Also called: Skin Lesion Biopsy

A skin biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of skin for testing. Skin biopsies are used to check for skin cancer, skin infections, or skin disorders, such as psoriasis.

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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
Your result is Normal.
If your results are normal, it means no cancer or skin disease was found. If a skin lesion is benign (not cancer), you may not need any further treatment.
Related conditions
A skin biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of skin for testing. The procedure can help diagnose a skin lesion (an abnormal area of skin). The skin sample is looked at under a microscope to check for skin cancer, a variety of skin conditions, or skin infections. Only certain skin lesions need a biopsy. Your provider may be able to diagnose many types of lesions just by looking at them.
There are three main ways to do a skin biopsy. The type of biopsy you have depends on the location, size, and depth of the skin lesion:
- A shave biopsy removes a sample from the top layers of skin with a razor blade or scalpel (a small cutting blade used for surgery). Your provider will do a shave biopsy if your condition appears to involve only the top layers of skin.
- A punch biopsy uses a special tool with a round blade to remove the skin sample. Your provider will do a punch biopsy if your condition appears to involve the deep layers of skin.
- An excisional biopsy uses a scalpel to remove all of the skin lesion, usually with some normal skin around it. The sample may include the full thickness of the skin along with fat below the skin.
Most skin biopsies can be done in a health care provider's office or other outpatient facility.
A skin biopsy is used to help diagnose a variety of skin conditions including:
- Skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, actinic keratosis ("precancers"), and warts.
- Bacterial or fungal infections of the skin.
- Skin cancer. A biopsy can confirm or rule out whether a suspicious mole or other growth is cancer. If the result is cancer, the biopsy can show what type of skin cancer it is.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell cancers. These cancers rarely spread to other parts of the body and can usually be cured with treatment. In many cases, the biopsy removes all the cancer, and no other treatment is needed.
The most serious type of skin cancer is melanoma. It's more likely than other skin cancers to spread to other parts of your body, including to your organs. Most deaths from skin cancer are caused by melanoma.
A skin biopsy can help diagnose skin cancer in the early stages, when it's easier to treat.
You may need a skin biopsy if you have certain skin symptoms, such as:
- A rash that doesn't go away
- Scaly or rough skin
- Open sores that won't heal
- A mole or skin growth that has changed in its shape, color, or size
- A mole or new growth that has the "A-B-C-D-Es" of melanoma:
  Asymmetrical - the shape is not regular
  Border - the edge is jagged
  Color - the color is uneven
  Diameter - the size is larger than a pea
  Evolving - the mole or growth has changed in the past few weeks or months
- Blistering skin, which may be a sign of pemphigus, an autoimmune disease
A provider will clean the site and give you an injection (shot) to numb your skin so you won't feel any pain.
For a punch biopsy:
- A provider uses a special tool with a hollow, round blade. The blade is placed over the abnormal skin area (lesion) and rotated to remove a small piece of skin about the size of a pencil eraser.
- The sample is lifted out with another tool.
- If a larger skin sample is taken, you may need one or two stitches to close the wound.
- Pressure will be applied to the wound until the bleeding stops.
- The wound will be covered with a bandage.
A punch biopsy is often used to diagnose rashes.
For a shave biopsy:
- A provider will use a razor or a scalpel to remove a sample from the top layer of your skin.
- To help stop the bleeding, pressure will be applied to the wound, or medicine may be spread over the wound.
- The wound will be covered with a bandage.
A shave biopsy is often used if your provider thinks you may have basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer or if you have a rash appears to affect only the top layer of your skin.
For an excisional biopsy:
- A doctor will use a scalpel to remove the entire skin lesion, usually with some normal skin around it called "a margin." If the skin lesion is large, your provider may remove only a piece of it. This is called an incisional biopsy.
- The doctor will close the wound with stitches.
- Pressure will be applied to wound until the bleeding stops.
- The wound will be covered with a bandage.
An excisional biopsy is often used if your provider thinks you may have melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. It may also be used for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer.
After the biopsy, keep the area covered with a bandage until you've healed or until your stitches come out. If you had stitches, they will be taken out 3-14 days after the biopsy.
1. Skin Biopsy: MedlinePlus Lab Test Information [accessed on Oct 05, 2022]
2. Skin lesion biopsy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Dec 20, 2018]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (14)

Punch Biopsy

Empty pilar cyst removed from the scalp of a woman through a small punch biopsy hole through the scalp.

Image by Northerncedar (talk)

Hyperkeratosis

Low magnification micrograph of lichen simplex chronicus. Skin biopsy.

Image by Nephron

Lichen simplex chronicus

Very low magnification micrograph of lichen simplex chronicus, abbreviated LSC. H&E stain. Skin biopsy.Features:

Image by Nephron

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Very high magnification micrograph of confluent epidermal necrosis. Skin biopsy. H&E stain.

Image by Nephron

Under a medium magnification, this photomicrograph depicts the histopathologic changes seen in human skin biopsy specimen due to Kaposi’s sarcoma. Of importance is the appearance of the dermal layer, which contained a cellular infiltrate, and a proliferation of vascular elements.

Kaposi sarcoma, is a malignant tumor of the lymphatic endothelium caused by the Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), i.e., Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), and arises from a cancer of the lymphatic endotheial lining. It is characterized by bluish-red cutaneous nodules. Kaposi’s sarcoma is thought of as an opportunistic infection, affecting patients whose immune systems have been compromised, as in the case of patients with HIV/AIDS.

Image by CDC/ Dr. Peter Drotman

Under a low magnification, this photomicrograph depicts the histopathologic changes seen in human skin biopsy specimen due to Kaposi’s sarcoma. Of importance is the normal appearance of the most superficial epidermal layer on the far left, which was overlying the dermal layer, which contained a cellular infiltrate, and a proliferation of vascular elements.

Kaposi sarcoma, is a malignant tumor of the lymphatic endothelium caused by the Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), i.e., Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), and arises from a cancer of the lymphatic endotheial lining. It is characterized by bluish-red cutaneous nodules. Kaposi’s sarcoma is thought of as an opportunistic infection, affecting patients whose immune systems have been compromised, as in the case of patients with HIV/AIDS.

Image by CDC/Dr. Peter Drotman

This photomicrograph of a skin biopsy reveals some cytoarchitectural signs that are indicative of Kaposi's sarcoma.

The dermis contains a dense cellular infiltrate, and narrow slit-like vascular spaces that are characteristic in these KS lesions. KS is a cancer that is common in those who’ve developed the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or an AIDS infection.

Image by CDC/ Dr. Steve Kraus

Under medium magnification, this micrograph of a skin biopsy shows the cytoarchitectural changes found in Kaposi's sarcoma.

Note the thinning of the skin layers, most appreciably the dermis, which is reduced in thickness, and flattened due to the presence of a cellular subdermal infiltrate.

Image by CDC/ Dr. Steve Kraus

An illustration depicting the skin punch biopsy.

An illustration depicting the skin punch biopsy.

Image by BruceBlaus

Having a punch biopsy

Video by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust/YouTube

Biopsy - What You Need To Know

Video by Rehealthify/YouTube

Study examines accuracy of melanoma biopsy findings

Video by UW Medicine/YouTube

What happens to your biopsy?

Video by Sunnybrook Hospital/YouTube

Skin Biopsy for Skin Cancer

Video by Dermatology Office of Dr. Ellen Turner/YouTube

Punch Biopsy

Northerncedar (talk)

Hyperkeratosis

Nephron

Lichen simplex chronicus

Nephron

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Nephron

Under a medium magnification, this photomicrograph depicts the histopathologic changes seen in human skin biopsy specimen due to Kaposi’s sarcoma. Of importance is the appearance of the dermal layer, which contained a cellular infiltrate, and a proliferation of vascular elements.

CDC/ Dr. Peter Drotman

Under a low magnification, this photomicrograph depicts the histopathologic changes seen in human skin biopsy specimen due to Kaposi’s sarcoma. Of importance is the normal appearance of the most superficial epidermal layer on the far left, which was overlying the dermal layer, which contained a cellular infiltrate, and a proliferation of vascular elements.

CDC/Dr. Peter Drotman

This photomicrograph of a skin biopsy reveals some cytoarchitectural signs that are indicative of Kaposi's sarcoma.

CDC/ Dr. Steve Kraus

Under medium magnification, this micrograph of a skin biopsy shows the cytoarchitectural changes found in Kaposi's sarcoma.

CDC/ Dr. Steve Kraus

An illustration depicting the skin punch biopsy.

BruceBlaus

1:36

Having a punch biopsy

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust/YouTube

0:47

Biopsy - What You Need To Know

Rehealthify/YouTube

3:13

Study examines accuracy of melanoma biopsy findings

UW Medicine/YouTube

3:26

What happens to your biopsy?

Sunnybrook Hospital/YouTube

0:26

Skin Biopsy for Skin Cancer

Dermatology Office of Dr. Ellen Turner/YouTube

Kidney Biopsy

Kidney Biopsy

Also called: Renal Biopsy, Biopsy - Kidney

A kidney biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a small piece of kidney tissue for examination with a microscope. The tissue is examined for signs of kidney disease or infection. It can also be used to check for cancer or other abnormalities.

Kidney Biopsy

Also called: Renal Biopsy, Biopsy - Kidney

A kidney biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a small piece of kidney tissue for examination with a microscope. The tissue is examined for signs of kidney disease or infection. It can also be used to check for cancer or other abnormalities.

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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
Your result is Normal.
A normal result is when the kidney tissue shows normal structure.
Related conditions
A health care provider will perform a kidney biopsy to evaluate any of the following conditions:
- hematuria—blood in the urine, which can be a sign of kidney disease or other urinary problems.
- albuminuria—a condition in which the urine has more-than-normal amounts of a protein called albumin. Albuminuria may be a sign of kidney disease.
- changes in kidney function, which can cause the buildup of waste products in the blood.
Health care providers may use a kidney biopsy to diagnose cancer. If cancer is present, there is a small chance that the biopsy needle will spread the cancer. In addition, the biopsy specimen is very small and may miss the cancer and, therefore, may not provide the right diagnosis.
The risks of a kidney biopsy include
- bleeding—the most common complication of a kidney biopsy. Bleeding may come from the kidney or the puncture site. Bleeding from the kidney rarely requires a blood transfusion.
- infection—a rare complication of a kidney biopsy. Health care providers prescribe bacteria-fighting medications called antibiotics to treat infections.
1. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/kidney-biopsy [accessed on Feb 19, 2019]
2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003907.htm [accessed on Feb 19, 2019]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (17)

Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infection)

Pain caused by Pyelonephritis

Image by Grook Da Oger

Drawing of the urinary tract showing simple kidney cysts (male figure)

Drawing of the urinary tract in the outline of a male figure. The kidneys, ureters, and bladder are labeled. An inset image from one of the kidneys shows simple cysts as raised bumps on the kidney. The simple cysts and ureter are labeled. Simple kidney cysts are abnormal, fluid-filled sacs that form in the kidneys.

Image by NIDDK Image Library

Kidney with ACKD

Drawing of a male torso with kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra labeled, and a drawing below of a kidney with sacs of fluid labeled as cysts. Acquired cystic kidney disease happens when a person's kidneys develop fluid-filled sacs called cysts.

Image by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Diagram of two kidneys (healthy vs polycystic)

The healthy kidney on the lower right is smooth. The polycystic kidney on the upper left has many fluid-filled sacs on the surface. Labels point to the ureter and cysts on the polycystic kidney. The polycystic kidney roughly retains the same shape as the healthy kidney.

Image by NIDDK Image Library

Peritoneal dialysis

Outline of a male figure receiving peritoneal dialysis. Labels point to the dialysis solution, catheter, space inside the belly, lining of the belly and tube to drain bag.

Image by NIDDK Image Library

Kidneys and urinary tract within the outline of a young boy

Drawing of the kidneys and urinary tract within the outline of a young boy. The kidneys, ureters, and bladder are labeled. The kidneys remove wastes and extra water from the blood to form urine.Urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder through the ureters.

Image by NIDDK Image Library

Front-view drawing of a normal urinary tract in an infant

Front-view drawing of a normal urinary tract in an infant. The kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra are labeled. The urinary tract includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra.

Image by NIDDK Image Library

Drawing of a pelvic ectopic kidney labeled

Drawing of a pelvic ectopic kidney labeled, showing the pelvis, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. The kidney on the right is in the normal position, several inches above the bladder. The kidney on the left is an ectopic kidney, just a couple of inches above the bladder. An ectopic kidney may remain in the pelvis, near the bladder.

Image by NIDDK Image Library

Drawing of a fused ectopic kidney, labeled

Drawing of a fused ectopic kidney, showing the pelvis, bladder, ureters, and fused kidneys. The kidney that would normally be on the left has crossed over and fused with the kidney on the right. An ectopic kidney may cross over and become fused with the other kidney.

Image by NIDDK Image Library

Drawing of pelvic ectopic kidney

An ectopic kidney may remain in the pelvis, close to the bladder.

Image by NIDDK Image Library

Drawing of urinary tract in an outline of the top half of a human body. Inset of one kidney and the bladder and one kidney, nonworking kidney, and the bladder

When a person has only one kidney or one working kidney, this kidney is called a solitary kidney. People born with kidney dysplasia have both kidneys; however, one kidney does not function (top right). When a kidney is removed surgically due to disease or for donation, both the kidney and ureter are removed (bottom right).

Image by NIDDK Image Library

Solitary Kidney

Drawing of one kidney and the bladder.

Image by NIDDK Image Library

Healthy vs Damaged Kidney

A healthy kidney doesn’t let albumin pass into the urine. A damaged kidney lets some albumin pass into the urine. Urine Test for Albumin If you are at risk for kidney disease, your provider may check your urine for albumin. Albumin is a protein found in your blood. A healthy kidney doesn’t let albumin pass into the urine. A damaged kidney lets some albumin pass into the urine. The less albumin in your urine, the better. Having albumin in the urine is called albuminuria. A diagram showing a healthy kidney with albumin only found in blood, and a damaged kidney that has albumin in both blood and urine. A healthy kidney doesn’t let albumin pass into the urine. A damaged kidney lets some albumin pass into the urine. A health care provider can check for albumin in your urine in two ways: Dipstick test for albumin. A provider uses a urine sample to look for albumin in your urine. You collect the urine sample in a container in a health care provider’s office or lab. For the test, a provider places a strip of chemically treated paper, called a dipstick, into the urine. The dipstick changes color if albumin is present in the urine. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). This test measures and compares the amount of albumin with the amount of creatinine in your urine sample. Providers use your UACR to estimate how much albumin would pass into your urine over 24 hours. A urine albumin result of 30 mg/g or less is normal more than 30 mg/g may be a sign of kidney disease If you have albumin in your urine, your provider may want you to repeat the urine test one or two more times to confirm the results. Talk with your provider about what your specific numbers mean for you. If you have kidney disease, measuring the albumin in your urine helps your provider know which treatment is best for you. A urine albumin level that stays the same or goes down may mean that treatments are working.

Image by The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases/NIH

Kidney and Urinary System

3D visualization reconstructed from scanned human data of the urinary system revealing anterior view of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. The urinary system is responsible for fluid balance and waste excretion. Blood enters the kidneys where waste products are excreted to form a fluid called filtrate. Filtrate continues to collect additional waste products and minerals as it travels through the winding tubules of the kidney. Eventually the filtrate becomes urine as it is channeled out of the kidney, into the ureters, down to the bladder and eventually out through the urethra to the external body.

Image by TheVisualMD

Right Kidney and Ureter

3D visualization based on scanned human data of the right kidney.

Image by TheVisualMD

Kidney with Blood Vessel

This 3D visualization reveals the vasculature of a kidney. Kidneys help to remove excess water and salts from the body and lower the volume of blood by producing the waste product, urine.

Image by TheVisualMD

Drawing of a kidney with an inset of a nephron

The glomeruli are sets of looping blood vessels in nephrons--the tiny working units of the kidneys that filter wastes and remove extra fluid from the blood.

Image by NIDDK Image Library

Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infection)

Grook Da Oger

Drawing of the urinary tract showing simple kidney cysts (male figure)

NIDDK Image Library

Kidney with ACKD

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Diagram of two kidneys (healthy vs polycystic)

NIDDK Image Library

Peritoneal dialysis

NIDDK Image Library

Kidneys and urinary tract within the outline of a young boy

NIDDK Image Library

Front-view drawing of a normal urinary tract in an infant

NIDDK Image Library

Drawing of a pelvic ectopic kidney labeled

NIDDK Image Library

Drawing of a fused ectopic kidney, labeled

NIDDK Image Library

Drawing of pelvic ectopic kidney

NIDDK Image Library

Drawing of urinary tract in an outline of the top half of a human body. Inset of one kidney and the bladder and one kidney, nonworking kidney, and the bladder

NIDDK Image Library

Solitary Kidney

NIDDK Image Library

Healthy vs Damaged Kidney

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases/NIH

Kidney and Urinary System

TheVisualMD

Right Kidney and Ureter

TheVisualMD

Kidney with Blood Vessel

TheVisualMD

Drawing of a kidney with an inset of a nephron

NIDDK Image Library

Treatment

Cortisol

Image by TheVisualMD

Cortisol

The hippocampus is rich in receptors for cortisol. So cortisol is very active in the hippocampus. But sustained high levels of cortisol cause damage to neurons. Cortisol disrupts cellular metabolism of hippocampal neurons and increases the vulnerability of neurons to a variety of insults.5,6 In addition, when cortisol is elevated chronically, there is a reduction in neurogenesis.7 In a nutshell, the damage from cortisol in the hippocampus has been suggested to be an example of sacrificing long-term function (i.e., memory function) for the sake of short-term survival.8

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How Do Health Care Professionals Treat IgA Vasculitis?

There is no specific treatment for IgA vasculitis. The disease usually goes away on its own. However, your health care professional may suggest certain medicines to relieve symptoms such as abdominal pain, joint pain, and swelling. If your kidneys are involved, the treatment goal will be to prevent CKD.

If you are taking a medicine that may have caused the IgA vasculitis, you will stop taking that medicine.

Treatments for different symptoms

Rash. Your rash will usually go away without any specific treatment. In some people, the rash returns, but even the returning rash will go away without medicine.

GI tract problems. To ease abdominal pain, your health care professional may prescribe a corticosteroid—a medicine that lowers immune system activity and decreases swelling. In rare cases when intussusception occurs, health care professionals can correct the problem with a lower GI series, also called a barium enema, that uses air or barium to gently push the telescoped part of the intestine into its proper position or correct the problem with surgery.

Abdominal pain is a common symptom of IgA vasculitis. If your pain is severe, talk to your health care professional about how to manage the pain.

Joint pain and swelling. Your health care professional may prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, or a corticosteroid to ease joint pain and swelling. You should not take NSAIDs if you have decreased kidney function or you suspect your kidneys have been affected.

Kidney involvement. In IgA vasculitis, the unusual activity of the immune system causes inflammation, which can lead to kidney damage. You may need to take a corticosteroid or other immunosuppressive medicine to reduce the inflammation, which can help prevent your immune system from causing more damage.

If you have protein in your urine, your health care professional may prescribe an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). ACE inhibitors and ARBs are blood pressure medicines that have been shown to reduce proteinuria and slow the progression of kidney disease.

Scrotum or testicles. If you are experiencing pain in the scrotum or testicles, your health care professional will recommend pain relief measures including bed rest, applying ice or a cool-pack, and placing a cushion under the scrotum to provide support.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Prevention

Cardiovascular Continuum

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Cardiovascular Continuum

Life choices change the trajectory of the quality, and longevity of your life.

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How Can I Prevent IgA Vasculitis?

Experts have not yet found a way to prevent IgA vasculitis. If your kidneys have been affected by the disease, treatments may be available to help prevent serious kidney problems. Talk with your health care professional about treatments, and follow the treatment plan your health care professional recommends.

How can my diet help prevent or relieve IgA vasculitis?

Diet and nutrition have not been shown to play a role in causing or preventing IgA vasculitis.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Living With

Healthy Kidney

Damaged Kidney

Damaged Kidney

Kidney Failure

1

2

3

4

Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease

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Healthy Kidney

Damaged Kidney

Damaged Kidney

Kidney Failure

1

2

3

4

Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease

Unmanaged diabetes and hypertension and diabetes can progressively damage kidneys.

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Are There Long-Term Health Problems From IgA Vasculitis?

Most people recover from IgA vasculitis completely without treatment. The symptoms usually go away within a few weeks to months. The symptoms may return one or more times—usually within the first year—but typically go away again on their own.

The most common and serious long-term health problem caused by IgA vasculitis is CKD. Severe kidney damage is rare but, if it does occur, it may require aggressive treatment. Adults are much more likely than children to develop CKD.

Women who have had IgA vasculitis and become pregnant are more likely to develop high blood pressure and have protein in their urine during pregnancy. High blood pressure in pregnancy causes health risks for the mother and baby. Pregnant women with a history of IgA vasculitis should be closely monitored by their health care professional.

Women with a history of IgA vasculitis who become pregnant should be monitored regularly for high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

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IgA Vasculitis

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis, formerly called Henoch-Schönlein purpura, is a disease that causes small blood vessels to become inflamed and leak. IgA vasculitis is most common in young children between the ages of 4 and 7, but people of all ages can be affected. Learn about causes, symptoms and treatment.

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