When it comes to IgA Nephropathy, there are a few tests that can help show inflammation and how it may be affecting your kidneys. One key test is the C3 complement blood test, which measures levels of a protein called C3. When the complement system (part of your immune response) is overactive, it can drive inflammation that Show Full Answer
When it comes to IgA Nephropathy, there are a few tests that can help show inflammation and how it may be affecting your kidneys. One key test is the C3 complement blood test, which measures levels of a protein called C3. When the complement system (part of your immune response) is overactive, it can drive inflammation that damages the kidneys. Low C3 levels can be a sign this is happening.
Here are the main tests used to monitor inflammation and kidney health in IgAN:
- C3 complement blood test — checks if complement-driven inflammation is active
- Urinalysis — looks for blood and protein in urine, both signs of kidney inflammation
- eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) — shows how well your kidneys are filtering
- Serum creatinine — a waste product that builds up when kidneys are inflamed or damaged
- Kidney biopsy — the most definitive test, can directly show IgA deposits and inflammation in kidney tissue
It's worth talking to your nephrologist about which of these tests makes the most sense to monitor your specific situation, as they often use a combination rather than just one.
August 17
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