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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Katrina Wood, Professor John SayerORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Alport syndrome (AS) is a familial glomerular disorder resulting from mutations in the genes encoding several members of the type IV collagen protein family. Despite advances in molecular genetics, renal biopsy remains an important initial diagnostic tool. Histological diagnosis is challenging as features may be non-specific, particularly early in the disease course and in females with X-linked disease. We present three families for whom there was difficulty in correctly diagnosing AS or thin basement membrane nephropathy as a result of misinterpretation of non-specific and incomplete histology. We highlight the importance of electron microscopy and immunofluorescence in improving diagnostic yield and also the hazard of interpreting a descriptive histological term as a diagnostic label. Molecular genetic testing allows a definitive diagnosis to be made in index patients and at-risk family members. © 2014 © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA.
Author(s): Adam J, Connor TMF, Wood K, Lewis D, Naik R, Gale DP, Sayer JA
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Clinical Kidney Journal
Year: 2014
Volume: 7
Issue: 2
Pages: 197-200
Print publication date: 01/04/2014
Online publication date: 18/12/2013
Acceptance date: 01/01/1900
Date deposited: 29/08/2017
ISSN (print): 2048-8505
ISSN (electronic): 2048-8513
Publisher: Oxford University Press
URL: https://doi.org/10.1093/ckj/sft144
DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sft144
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