Andrew S. Bomback, MD, MPH, comments on the impact of disparities in diagnosing and treating IgA nephropathy by nephrologists. Early detection and treatment of IgA nephropathy are critical for better outcomes, but many patients present with advanced kidney disease, often due to a delay in diagnosis.
This delay is largely tied to limited access to healthcare, preventing earlier surveillance and intervention. Furthermore, while newer, more effective therapies are available, their high cost and the need for healthcare coverage and advocacy mean that many patients, especially those with limited access, may not benefit from these treatments at the crucial early stages of the disease.