Guidelines for Genetic Testing and Management of Alport Syndrome

Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2022 Jan;17(1):143-154. doi: 10.2215/CJN.04230321. Epub 2021 Dec 20.

Abstract

Genetic testing for pathogenic COL4A3-5 variants is usually undertaken to investigate the cause of persistent hematuria, especially with a family history of hematuria or kidney function impairment. Alport syndrome experts now advocate genetic testing for persistent hematuria, even when a heterozygous pathogenic COL4A3 or COL4A4 is suspected, and cascade testing of their first-degree family members because of their risk of impaired kidney function. The experts recommend too that COL4A3 or COL4A4 heterozygotes do not act as kidney donors. Testing for variants in the COL4A3-COL4A5 genes should also be performed for persistent proteinuria and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome due to suspected inherited FSGS and for familial IgA glomerulonephritis and kidney failure of unknown cause.

Keywords: Alport syndrome; COL4A3; COL4A4; COL4A5; FSGS; collagen IV; digenic Alport syndrome; genetic testing; kidney cysts; thin basement membrane nephropathy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autoantigens / genetics*
  • Collagen Type IV / genetics*
  • Genetic Testing / standards*
  • Humans
  • Nephritis, Hereditary / diagnosis*
  • Nephritis, Hereditary / genetics*
  • Nephritis, Hereditary / therapy*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic

Substances

  • Autoantigens
  • COL4A5 protein, human
  • Collagen Type IV
  • type IV collagen alpha3 chain