Does everyone with Alport’s Syndrome develop kidney failure?

It is rare for men with Alport’s to develop kidney failure before the age of 10 years. Most men develop kidney failure between the ages of 15 and 30, though in some families this is delayed to 50-70 years. Kidney failure develops slowly over a period of years, so that the need for dialysis can be planned; or in some cases, a kidney transplant might be carried out before dialysis was necessary.

Women with Alport’s syndrome have tiny amounts of blood in their urine, sometimes with some protein. About 6 out of 10 women may develop protein in the urine (click here for more details on this). Although protein in the urine suggests a risk for progression to kidney failure, in many cases the kidney function remains normal and only about 1 in 10 women with Alport’s syndrome ever need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

In about 1 in 10 families with Alport’s syndrome, the disease follows a more rapidly progressive course, with even women developing kidney failure at an early age. These families may have a different genetic abnormality. In medical terminology, the problem may lie in the COLA3 or COL4A4 genes, rather than COL4A5 gene, as in normal Alport’s syndrome (click here for more information on collagen).

NKF Controlled Document No. 52, Does everyone with Alport’s Syndrome develop kidney failure?, written 2 September 2002. Last reviewed 27 October 2008.

The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.

The National Kidney Federation is registered in England and Wales as a Company limited by guarantee (Company No 5272349) and awarded charitable status (Charity Number 1106735). Give as You Earn contributions No. CAF GY511.

Registered Office:- The Point, Coach Road, Shireoaks, Worksop, Notts S81 8BW, Tel: (01909) 544999, Fax: (01909) 481723, Helpline: (0845) 601 02 09, E-mail:

This website is intended for UK residents only.
If you have any comments about this site, please EMAIL the webmaster