IgM nephropathy; time to act.

Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education: Much has been published on the epidemiology and clinicopathological characteristics of IgM nephropathy, but there is little information on the etiology,pathogenesis and specific therapy of the disease. Controversy still shrouds the definition and nosologic status of the disease. Well-coordinated and concerted international efforts and collaboration between researchers in the developing and developed countries are needed to make further progress on the above aspects of the disease.