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Cited by 0Renal Diseases and GlomerulopathiesChronic Kidney Disease and DiabetesVasculitis and related conditions

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Kidney biopsy in the diagnosis of immunoglobulin A nephropathy

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Campbell, Kirk N., Chang, Anthony, Vivarelli, Marina·2026·Frontiers in Medicine
DOI 10.3389/fmed.2026.1882638PMC PMC13683010
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Abstract

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is a kidney disease characterized by deposition of galactose-deficient IgA1-containing immune complexes in the glomerular mesangium. It is the most common primary glomerular disease worldwide, affecting approximately 2.5 persons per 100,000 population annually. A definitive IgAN diagnosis requires a kidney biopsy. However, non-specific clinical signs, limited disease awareness, and lack of validated biomarkers can delay nephrology referral from primary care providers, prolonging time to diagnosis and negatively impacting patient outcomes. In this perspective, we aim to raise awareness of the importance of timely kidney biopsy in IgAN. To do so, we first outline the key clinical features of IgAN and kidney biopsy indications that should prompt nephrology referral. Subsequently, we highlight the diagnostic and prognostic significance of kidney biopsy findings, examine barriers to kidney biopsy completion, and provide our outlook on the ways in which kidney biopsy may be useful for IgAN management in the future.

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Metadata

Authors
Campbell, K. N., Chang, A., & Vivarelli, M.
Affiliations
  • University of Pennsylvania (US)
  • University of Chicago (US)
  • Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IT)
Corresponding author
Campbell, Kirk N.
ORCID
Campbell, Kirk N.
Venue
Frontiers in Medicine
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Published
2026-10-07
Volume
13
Pages
1882638-1882638
ISSN
2296-858X (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3389/fmed.2026.1882638
PMC
PMC13683010
OpenAlex
W7220847943
Cited by
0
References
57
FWCI
0.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Frontiers in Medicine (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Nephrology › Renal Diseases and Glomerulopathies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Nephrology › Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetes
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Rheumatology › Vasculitis and related conditions
Keywords
immunoglobulin A nephropathy, renal biopsy, primary glomerular disease, nephrology referral, delayed diagnosis, biopsy findings, prognostic value, disease management

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