The role of tonsillectomy in pediatric IgA nephropathy.

OBJECTIVES: To review pediatric cases of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in 6 patients who underwent tonsillectomy and had marked improvement of their renal symptoms and to review the appropriate indications for tonsillectomy for this disease.

DESIGN: Retrospective case series.

SETTING: Academic medical center.

PATIENTS: Six children (age range, 8-15 years) with renal biopsy-proved IgAN who were referred by a pediatric nephrologist for recurrent tonsillitis.

INTERVENTION: Tonsillectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Resolution of clinical features of IgAN, including proteinuria, gross and microscopic hematuria, and stabilization of renal function.

RESULTS: The 6 patients in this series had marked clinical and laboratory improvement of their nephropathy.

CONCLUSIONS: In a select group of pediatric cases of IgAN with mild to moderate disease and recurrent tonsillitis, tonsillectomy can be a useful adjuvant treatment to improve urinary symptoms and renal function. IgA nephropathy is a common indication for tonsillectomy in Japan but is seen less often in the United States. Otolaryngologists should be aware of this indication for tonsillectomy.