Alport's Disease

Alport Syndrome is an inherited disease marked by severe inflammation of the kidneys, which also affects a child’s hearing and vision. The condition damages the tiny blood vessels that are present in the kidneys and leads to the gradual loss of renal function, eventually resulting in end-stage renal disease or ESRD. Alport syndrome affects approximately 1 in 50,000 babies. 

What are the different types of Alport’s Disease?
There are three different types of Alport’s disease:

• X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) - It happens to be the most common type of Alport’s disease that usually affects men.
• Autosomal Recessive Alport Syndrome (ARAS) - This happens when both parents pass on the abnormal gene. It affects men and women equally.
• Autosomal Dominant Alport Syndrome (ADAS) - It is very rare and affects both males and females equally.

What causes Alport’s Disease?
Alport’s disease is a result of an abnormal gene mutation that is passed down to a child from either one or both parents.

What are the symptoms of Alport’s disease?
Various symptoms that could be an indication of Alport’s disease include:

• Abnormal colour of urine
• Traces of blood in the urine
• Unusually high blood pressure
• Swelling in different parts of the body 
• Loss of hearing
• Abnormally shaped eye lens
• Corneal erosion 
• Change in the colour of the retina