Serial Galactose-Deficient IgA1 Levels in Children with IgA Nephropathy and Healthy Controls

Abstract EN

Galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) is a key pathogenic factor for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and a potential biomarker for the disease.

This study examined serial serum Gd-IgA1 levels over 1 year in 13 children with IgAN and 40 healthy children, to determine whether or not serum Gd-IgA1 levels changed over time.

Subjects were younger than 18 years of age.

Follow-up measurements were scheduled 6 and/or 12 months later.

Analysis of variance and regression models for repeated measures were used to estimate group and time effects.

Serum Gd-IgA1 level was higher in initial samples for IgAN patients compared to those of healthy children (P<0.0001).

Serum Gd-IgA1 levels did not change over time for healthy controls but increased for IgAN patients (P=0.001).

Serum Gd-IgA1 level was elevated for 9 children with IgAN at study entry and remained elevated.

Two of the 4 IgAN patients with initially normal Gd-IgA1 levels had a subsequent elevated level.

The persistent elevation of the serum Gd-IgA1 level in children with IgAN enhances its utility as a potential diagnostic test for IgAN.