Alport syndrome facts*
*Alport syndrome facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
What is Alport syndrome?
Alport syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by kidney disease, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities.
What are the signs and symptoms of Alport syndrome?
People with Alport syndrome experience progressive loss of kidney function. Almost all affected individuals have blood in their urine (hematuria), which indicates abnormal functioning of the kidneys. Many people with Alport syndrome also develop high levels of protein in their urine (proteinuria). The kidneys become less able to function as this condition progresses, resulting in end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
People with Alport syndrome frequently develop sensorineural hearing loss, which is caused by abnormalities of the inner ear, during late childhood or early adolescence. Affected individuals may also have misshapen lenses in the eyes (anterior lenticonus) and abnormal coloration of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). These eye abnormalities seldom lead to vision loss.
Significant hearing loss, eye abnormalities, and progressive kidney disease are more common in males with Alport syndrome than in affected females.
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 3/3/2014
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