The Emirates Medical Association of Nephrology and Transplantation Society Consensus Statements on Optimizing Clinical Management of IgA Nephropathy: The Urgent Need for a Paradigm Shift in the UAE

Abstract

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common form of primary glomerular disease worldwide. IgAN leads to end stage kidney disease in up to 40% - 50% of all patients and is associated with increased mortality, leading to a clear need for increased awareness and early treatment of the disease. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the number of IgAN diagnoses has steadily risen over several decades, putting increased pressure on primary care physicians and nephrologists to find nationwide solutions to optimize its clinical management. In recognition of this growing need, the Emirates Medical Association Nephrology and Transplantation Society (EMAN-T) convened a panel of 12 experts with recognized seniority in IgAN clinical management, who identified challenges and opportunities for improving and standardizing national IgAN care pathways. A limitation was a lack of patient or payer representation on the consensus panel. This expert clinical consensus article provides 6 consensus position statements that together set out a vision for optimal IgAN clinical management in the UAE. The statements are intended to serve as a first step towards optimizing IgAN awareness, diagnosis, risk assessment, treatment and ongoing clinical management, with the ultimate goal of improving care pathways for IgAN across the UAE.