Travere and KDIGO Podcast Collaboration

Conversations in Nephrology: How I Treat IgA Nephrology – Lessons from the Case Files

Episode Summary

In this Travere-sponsored, case-based episode of KDIGO Conversations in Nephrology, Dr. Dana Rizk brings together Drs. Gaia Coppock and Andrew Lazar to explore how the updated KDIGO IgA Nephropathy Guideline translates into real-world clinical practice. Through two contrasting patient scenarios — a newly diagnosed young adult and a patient with established disease — the discussion illustrates how clinicians sequence therapies, interpret biopsy findings, and individualize care in the real world.

The panel explores early incorporation of targeted therapy alongside kidney-protective strategies, the practical use of the IgA nephropathy prediction tool to inform prognosis and patient conversations, and the importance of cardiovascular risk reduction. The episode also looks ahead to emerging biomarkers and the potential of precision nephrology to guide treatment selection.

Dr. Gaia Coppock, M.D. – University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

Dr. Andrew Lazar, M.D. – University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH

Dr. Dana Rizk, MD (host) – University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL

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Key Takeaways

“This [patient] is a great example…of why we need to address both immunologic and non-immunologic aspects of disease in our patients with IgA nephropathy.” (2:55)

“[We] are very excited about precision nephrology […] We don’t want to put every single patient on all the agents that we have available to us, so…I hope that we’re nearing that time that we’ll have biomarkers.” (11:07)

“I trained during those years where we didn’t think IgAN patients did that poorly, but we didn’t realize that they’re so young when we meet them […] Twenty years may seem like a long time, but it’s not when you’re 30 years old and suddenly you’re on dialysis or requiring transplant when you’re only 50 years old.” (15:34)

The updated KDIGO IgA Nephropathy Guideline recommends addressing both the immunologic drivers of IgA nephropathy and the downstream effects of chronic kidney disease
The IgA nephropathy prediction tool can support prognosis discussions, but results should be interpreted in the broader clinical context
Biopsy findings, including crescents, help inform prognosis and clinical judgment, particularly when assessing disease activity and severity
Advances in biomarker development may enable a more precise, individualized treatment approach in the future

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Disclaimer: This episode of Conversations in Nephrology was supported by Travere Therapeutics and developed by Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes. The opinions presented are those of the individual speakers and not those of Travere Therapeutics. This podcast episode was published on December 4, 2025. Please always consult updated sources for the latest information, as information discussed may have changed since the recording date.

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