Signs Of Alport Syndrome

Protein In The Urine

Protein in urine, otherwise known as proteinuria, tends to be a sign of kidney disease. It can be a symptom of Alport syndrome and other kidney conditions. When the kidneys are healthy, a great deal of protein won't pass throughout the filters. But when Alport syndrome or other kidney disease damages the filters, proteins may leak from the blood into the urine.

Another common cause of proteinuria is an overproduction of protein by the body. When Alport syndrome doesn't present with blood in the urine as the first symptom, sometimes proteinuria will be the first symptom found. It is discovered when a urine test is done during a routine physical exam. If proteinuria is found in a patient's urine test, the doctor will follow it up with blood tests to check the kidney function. Patients with a genetic history of Alport syndrome should have urine tests done semi-regularly to make sure their kidneys are functioning correctly.