Q: I am 23 years old suffering from IgA nephropathy for the last three years. At present, my serum creatinine level is 3.5. I am taking Minipres XL, Stamlo Beta and Maxepa for the last three years. The creatinine level varies several times, but does not go higher than 4.01. Is my disease curable? Shall I go for Ayurvedic treatment?

A:You have chronic kidney disease stage IV (kidney function 15–30%) as judged from your serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is the true measure of kidney function. Your estimated GFR is 24 ml/min. IgA nephropathy with chronic kidney disease is not a curable condition. Once kidney function is chronically affected, there is a progressive decline in kidney function, the rate of which can be slowed down by excellent blood pressure control (target < 130/80 mmHg). A person usually requires either a kidney transplant or dialysis once kidney function is irreversibly diminished to (10–15 %). I am sure you can discuss the course of the disease with your nephrologist. I have no knowledge of Ayurveda. However, in my experience of more than 30 years I have not seen someone with IgA showing improvement with Ayurvedic medicine. In fact, you should be aware of what you are taking and what effect it can have. In my opinion you should optimise your blood pressure, diet and other medicines with your nephrologist.