Chronic glomerulonephritis: medical and aeromedical disposition.

ABSTRACT

A case of presumptive IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in an aircrew member is presented IgAN is a common form of glomerulonephritis associated with IgA deposits in the mesangium of the kidney. Although in the past progression of IgAN was thought to be infrequent, it is now known to lead to end-stage renal disease in 30-35% of patients. In most cases, the presence of IgAN does not represent a risk of sudden incapacitation to aviators. Nevertheless, the significant risk of eventual progression requires adequate follow-up for the patient's welfare as well as the maintenance of aeromedical fitness. Although as a flight surgeon it is often tempting to focus on the question of flight status when evaluating a specific condition, the primary responsibility of any physician is to his or her patient's well-being.