[Objective] The efficacy of tonsillectomy for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in childhood has been demonstrated, however few studies have reported on the timing of tonsillectomy. Our study was aiming at clarifying the long-term effects in patients with IgA nephropathy tonsillectomy performed at early stage.
[Methods] Patients diagnosed with severe IgA nephropathy in childhood who performed tonsillectomy were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the time from the diagnosis to tonsillectomy, the first group is less than 3 years (group A) between the two groups, and the second group is more than 3 years (group B). Patients were followed up to 10 years after diagnosis and analyzed for urinary protein, urinary occult blood, eGFR, serum Cr, IgA/C3 and UA.
[Results] A total of 32 children were involved in this study. All patients were treated with multidrug therapy prior to tonsillectomy. No significant differences in the patient’s background and profile were observed between group A (n=18) and group B (n=14) at the time of diagnosis. The amount of urinary protein level was significantly reduced in group A (0.05 g/day vs 0.17 g/day in group B, p<0.01), while no significant differences were found in urine occult blood, eGFR, serum Cr, UA and IgA/C3 bietween the two groups.
[Conclusions] n IgAN patients, tonsillectomy as an additional treatment at early stage may be improved long-term prognosis.