Authors of a scoping review of primary glomerular diseases highlight substantial geographic variation in IgA nephropathy (IgAN), with reported incidence highest in the Asia-Pacific region and generally lower in Europe, North America, Latin America, and sub-Saharan Africa. These differences do not necessarily reflect true differences in disease burden: access to kidney biopsy, screening practices, referral patterns, healthcare resources, and genetic factors all influence how often IgAN is identified. Population-based urine screening in some Asian countries may detect disease earlier, while patients in regions with more selective biopsy practices may be diagnosed later in the disease course.
The review emphasizes that epidemiology can inform clinical decision-making by helping clinicians recognize higher-risk populations, interpret hematuria and proteinuria within the appropriate context, and guide screening, referral, and risk stratification. Prognosis remains highly variable, with proteinuria, eGFR, histopathology, genetics, and longitudinal disease patterns all contributing to risk. The authors also highlight persistent limitations in available evidence, including inconsistent biopsy practices, underdiagnosis, regional disparities, and a lack of standardized global registries. They further call for broader population data to support earlier detection and increasingly individualized IgAN management.
Reference: Jakubowska Z, Wantoch-Rekowski F, Małyszko JS, Małyszko J. IgA Nephropathy: Epidemiology, Outcomes, and Insights for Primary Glomerulonephritides. J Clin Med. 2026 Mar 7;15(5):2046. doi: 10.3390/jcm15052046.
