Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis

About Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is an antibody that helps your body fight off infection. IgA vasculitis is a form of vasculitis (inflammatory vascular disease) in which this antibody attacks your healthy vascular tissue instead of pathogens. This can cause leakage of the blood vessels and impaired blood flow in small vessels. This usually manifests as a rash that appears like red raised bumps. In some cases, IgA vasculitis leads to chronic kidney disease, which requires serious medical intervention.

Symptoms of Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis

Symptoms of IgA vasculitis reflect the organ systems that are affected.

Symptoms of IgA vasculitis may include:

• Blood in urine
• Gastrointestinal difficulties
• Joint pain
• Rash that resembles raised red dots
• Swollen testicles

Risk Factors for Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis

Certain patient populations are more likely to develop IgA vasculitis.

Risk factors for IgA vasculitis may include:

• Age: The condition typically affects people between the ages of 4 and 7, but people of all ages can develop IgA vasculitis.
• Family history

Treating Immunoglobulin A Vasculitis at UT Health Austin

The symptoms of IgA vasculitis often go away on their own. In some cases, patients develop chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is very serious and requires medical attention. Like all forms of vasculitis, corticosteroids like prednisone can be used to address the inflammation associated with IgA vasculitis. Throughout the course of your treatment, you can expect compassionate care from each provider in the clinic.

Care Team Approach

At UT Health Austin, we take a multidisciplinary approach to your care. This means you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines caring for you in one place. The Vasculitis Clinic care team includes rheumatologists, nurses, and medical assistants who work together to help you get back to the things in your life that matter most to you.

We collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to develop the best treatment plan for you. Advanced imaging and lab testing are also available on-site if needed, including computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

Learn More About Your Care Team