Alport syndrome

Definition

Alport syndrome is a rare inherited disorder that damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys. It can also cause hearing loss and eye problems.

Alternative Names

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

Causes

Alport syndrome is an inherited form of kidney inflammation (nephritis). It is caused by a defect (mutation) in a gene for a protein in the connective tissue, called collagen.

The disorder is rare. There are three genetic types:

With all types of Alport syndrome, the kidneys are affected. The tiny blood vessels in the glomeruli of the kidneys are damaged. The glomeruli filter blood to make urine and remove waste products from the blood.

At first, there are no symptoms. Over time, as the glomeruli are more and more damaged, kidney function is lost and waste products and fluids build up in the body. The condition can progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) at an early age, between adolescence and age 40. At this point, dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed.

Symptoms

The main symptom of Alport syndrome is blood in the urine that is often not visible and only detected under a microscope. This occurs from a young age. As the disease progresses, other symptoms may appear.

KIDNEYS

Other symptoms of kidney problems include:

EARS

Over time, Alport syndrome also leads to hearing loss in both ears. By the early teens, it is common in males with XLAS, though in females, hearing loss is not as common and happens when they're adults. With ARAS, boys and girls have hearing loss during childhood. With ADAS, it occurs later in life.

Hearing loss usually occurs before kidney failure.

EYES

Alport syndrome also leads to eye problems in those with XLAS and ARAS, including:

Eye problems are uncommon in people with ADAS.

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms.

The following tests may be done:

If your provider suspects you have Alport syndrome, you will also likely have vision and hearing tests.

Treatment

The goals of treatment include monitoring and controlling the disease and treating the symptoms.

Your provider may recommend any of the following:

Kidney disease is managed by:

Hearing loss can be managed with hearing aids. Eye problems are treated as needed. For example, an abnormal lens due to lenticonus or cataracts can be replaced.

Genetic counseling may be recommended because the disorder is inherited.

Support Groups

More information and support for people with Alport syndrome and their families can be found at:

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outlook depends on the type of Alport syndrome, biological sex, and age.

For both males and females, kidney function will worsen over time. In males with XLAS, this may lead to kidney failure at an earlier age. Most men with XLAS will experience kidney failure by age 60. Women with XLAS may or may not have kidney problems, but the risk increases with age.

Both males and females with ARAS will develop kidney failure by early adulthood.

ADAS progresses slowly in both males and females, and kidney failure may not occur until later in life.

As kidneys fail, dialysis or a kidney transplant will be needed. Kidney transplant is often very successful in people with Alport syndrome.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider for an appointment if:

Prevention

Awareness of risk factors, such as a family history of the disorder, may allow the condition to be detected early.

References

Gregory MC. Alport syndrome and related disorders. In: Gilbert SJ, Weiner DE, Bomback AS, Perazella MA, Rifkin DE, eds. National Kidney Foundation's Primer on Kidney Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 41.

Radhakrishnan J, Appel GB, D'Agati VD. Secondary glomerular disease. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 32.

Rheault MN, Kashtan CE. Alport syndrome and other familial glomerular syndromes. In: Johnson RJ, Floege J, Tonelli M, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 48.


Review Date: 5/19/2023
Reviewed By: Walead Latif, MD, Nephrologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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