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Alport syndrome - Overview

Alternative Names

Hereditary nephritis; Hematuria - nephropathy - deafness; Hemorrhagic familial nephritis; Hereditary deafness and nephropathy

Definition of Alport syndrome:

Alport syndrome is an inherited disorder that leads to kidney damage.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Alport syndrome is an inherited form of kidney inflammation (nephritis). It's 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:

  • Reviewed last on: 11/12/2007
  • Charles Silberberg, D.O., Private Practice specializing in Nephrology, Affiliated with NY Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

References

Behrman RE, Kliegman RM, Jenson HB. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2003.