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Seung Hyeok HanM.D.,PhDProfessor | Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea |
Update Course title: Recent advances in therapeutic option in IgA
IgA nephropathy is a common kidney disease characterized by the deposition of IgA in the glomeruli. Proteinuria is a key feature of the disease and is an important predictor of progression to end-stage renal disease. The current treatment options for IgA nephropathy, such as corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs, are associated with significant side effects. Recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology of the disease have led to the development of new treatment strategies, including inhibitors of proteinuria and drugs that target immune-mediated injury. Among these, endothelin receptor antagonists have gained recognition as a promising proteinuria-lowering drugs in patients with IgA nephropathy. In addition, drugs that inhibit different components of the immune system, such as budesonide, APRIL inhibitors, BAFF inhibitors, factor B inhibitors, and complement-pathway inhibitors, are currently being studied as potential treatments for IgA nephropathy.
While these new therapies offer hope for improved outcomes for patients with IgA nephropathy, their long-term safety and efficacy have not yet been fully established. Nevertheless, the urgent need for new treatments that can effectively manage IgA nephropathy with fewer side effects underscores the importance of ongoing research in this area.
Update Course Presentation PDF Slides
ASM Symposium title: Differences in diagnosis and management in glomerular disease worldwide
CKD is becoming increasingly prevalent, affecting 10-15% of the population and becoming one of the leading causes of death in many countries. The most common causes of CKD vary by age, with diabetes and hypertension being the primary causes for middle-aged and elderly adults and glomerular disease being a significant burden for children and young adults. There are significant disparities in the epidemiological and clinical features and treatment patterns for glomerular disease worldwide, which may be attributed to differences in genetic background, environmental and socioeconomic factors, and regional health systems. For instance, SLE is more common in white patients than in Asian patients, but renal involvement and severe lupus nephritis are more common in Asian patients.
The differences in the epidemiological and clinical features of glomerular disease worldwide will be covered in my talk, as well as the unique screening programs for kidney and glomerular disease in Korea. There are distinct patterns for treating IgA nephropathy between Japan and Europe, and responsiveness to calcineurin inhibitors appears to be more favorable in Asian patients with lupus nephritis. These disparities highlight the need for further research to better understand the underlying factors contributing to differences in the incidence and management of glomerular disease.