Autosomal Recessive Alport Syndrome

Autosomal recessive Alport syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by kidney disease, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities. Most affected individuals experience progressive loss of kidney function, usually resulting in end-stage kidney disease. People with Alport syndrome frequently develop sensorineural hearing loss in late childhood or early adolescence. The eye abnormalities seen in this condition seldom lead to vision loss. Alport syndrome can have different patterns of inheritance. About 15 percent of Alport syndrome cases are inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern and are caused by mutations in both copies of the COL4A3 or COL4A4 genes. Treatment is based on the symptoms present and may include medications to delay the progression of kidney disease. In most cases, a kidney transplant is eventually needed.