Treatment for IgA nephropathy.

The Committee on IgA nephropathy in Japan has published new clinical guidelines (2nd edition) for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with this disease. The nonspecific therapeutic approach involves a reduction of dietary intake of protein in patients with IgA nephropathy who have developed renal failure. At present, the most important therapeutic goal in patients with IgA nephropathy is the control of hypertension. It has been assumed that removal of tonsillar tissues might reduce the production of polymeric IgA and decrease the frequency of renal parenchymal damage resulting from episodes of macroscopic hematuria and proteinuria. Although there have been no randomized controlled trials (RCT) of tonsillectomy, these are necessary to determine the efficacy of tonsillectomy in patients with IgA nephropathy.