Alternate Names : Hereditary nephritis, Hematuria – nephropathy – deafness, Hemorrhagic familial nephritis, Hereditary deafness and nephropathy
Definition
Alport syndrome is an inherited disorder that damages tiny blood vessels in the kidneys.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Alport syndrome is an inherited form of kidney inflammation (nephritis). It is caused by a mutation in a gene for a protein in connective tissue, called collagen.
The disorder is uncommon, and most often affects males. Women can transmit the gene for the disorder to their children, even if they have no symptoms.
Risk factors include:
* End-stage kidney disease in male relatives
* Family history of Alport syndrome
* Glomerulonephritis
* Hearing loss before age 30
* Nephritis
Pictures & Images
Male urinary system
The urinary system is made up of the kidneys, ureters, urethra and bladder.
Alport syndrome: Overview, Causes
Alport syndrome: Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
Alport syndrome: Treatment
Review Date : 11/30/2009
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Herbert Y. Lin, MD, PHD, Nephrologist, Massachusetts General Hospital; Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
