Alport syndrome is a genetic condition and Its symptoms are characterized by kidney disease, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities.
People with this syndrome experience progressive loss of kidney function. Almost all affected individuals have blood in their urine (hematuria), which indicates abnormal functioning of the kidneys. Other symptoms include High blood pressure, protein in the urine, and Edema.
Many people with this 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 deafness-nephropathy 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 this syndrome than in affected females.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for Alport syndrome. The goal is to treat the symptoms and help slow the progression of kidney disease. This may include:
- ACE inhibitor or ARB medicines (medications to control high blood pressure)
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Limit sodium (salt) in your diet
If you are approaching kidney disease because of Alport syndrome, kidney transplantation is usually very successful in people with Alport syndrome and is considered the best treatment when kidney failure is approaching.