Chronic Tonsillitis Linked to Increased Risk of IgA Nephropathy, Study Finds
Researchers have identified a significant association between chronic tonsillitis and the risk of developing IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a kidney disorder, according to findings from a recent large-scale study in Japan. This study, analysing records of over 4 million individuals, focuses on a previously unexplored link, highlighting the potential implications for clinical practice and patient management. The study was published in the American Journal Of Kidney Diseases conducted by Nakayama T. and colleagues.
IgA nephropathy is a condition characterized by the buildup of immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposits in the kidneys, leading to inflammation and potentially progressive kidney damage. While its exact causes remain unclear, various factors such as genetic predisposition, ethnicity, and environmental triggers are thought to contribute. Chronic tonsillitis, a persistent inflammation of the tonsils, has been increasingly implicated in immune-related disorders, particularly in East Asian populations.
Using the JMDC Claims Database, researchers conducted an observational cohort study spanning from January 2005 to May 2022. They analyzed data from 4,311,393 individuals who underwent health check-ups and had complete medical records, excluding those with prior IgAN or missing data on key variables. Of these, 12,842 individuals (0.3%) had a history of chronic tonsillitis.
The study findings were as follows:
• During a median follow-up period of approximately 3 years, researchers documented 2653 cases of IgA nephropathy.
• The incidence rate of IgAN was notably higher among individuals with chronic tonsillitis (4.93 per 10,000 person-years) compared to those without (1.74 per 10,000 person-years).
• Multivariable analysis revealed that individuals with chronic tonsillitis faced a significantly elevated risk of developing IgAN (HR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.79-4.14).
The study underscores the importance of recognizing chronic tonsillitis as a potential risk factor for IgA nephropathy. It calls for heightened vigilance among healthcare providers, particularly in populations where chronic tonsillitis is prevalent. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking tonsillitis to IgAN and to explore potential preventive strategies.
Reference:
Nakayama, T., Kaneko, H., Suzuki, Y., Okada, A., Morita, H., Fujiu, K., Takeda, N., Fukui, A., Yokoo, T., Takeda, N., Yasunaga, H., Nangaku, M., & Hayashi, K. (2024). Chronic tonsillitis and IgA nephropathy: Findings from a nationwide Japanese cohort study. American Journal of Kidney Diseases: The Official Journal of the National Kidney Foundation. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2024.04.015
