Hereditary nephritis is a non-immune glomerulopathy caused by mutations in several genes responsible for the biosynthesis of collagen fibers. The pathology is extremely rare, with statistical studies showing it in no more than 0.02% of children. Treatment of hereditary nephritis in Israel involves the use of medication therapy and some other conservative methods aimed at preserving and maintaining kidney function as much as possible. Timely comprehensive treatment prevents the development of renal failure, slows disease progression, and improves prognosis in approximately 90% of cases.
In cases of suspected hereditary nephritis, genealogical research, including screening of close relatives and examination in a medical genetics laboratory, is crucial for making an accurate diagnosis. The characteristic signs of the pathology observed in the patient and information obtained from the child's parents are taken into account. A group of highly qualified doctors with extensive experience, actively engaged in researching the problem and implementing innovative methods and drugs into clinical practice, is responsible for developing and implementing the therapy program. Patient and family feedback confirms the effectiveness and reasonable cost of the treatment provided, as well as the creation of maximum comfort for children in the clinics.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
Hereditary nephritis is characterized by impaired kidney function in early childhood, leading to the development of chronic kidney failure and disability. The disease has been studied for over a hundred years, but its genetic nature was only proven in the 1980s. Approximately 83-85% of clinical symptoms of the pathology first manifest in a child before the age of ten, with the disease being much more severe in boys.
As a result of extensive research on the disease, it has been determined that its causes lie in genetic mutations that lead to impaired production of collagen fibers, which are part of the cell membranes of nephrons and cells of some other organs. For instance, in Type I hereditary nephritis, or Alport syndrome, damage and death of nephrons are associated with structural abnormalities of the inner ear and eyes. Consequently, signs of kidney failure are combined with hearing loss and vision disorders.
According to the accepted classification, three types of hereditary nephritis are distinguished:
- Type I — kidney damage is associated with hearing and vision impairments, chronic kidney failure develops at an early age, characterized by severe progression, reaching the terminal stage by about 20 years.
- Type II — kidney dysfunction without hearing loss, developed kidney failure reaches the terminal phase by 30 years.
- Type III — benign form of familial hematuria, external symptoms may only manifest in adulthood, kidney function is mildly impaired, and the likelihood of developing chronic kidney failure is quite low.
At the initial stage of the disease, the child experiences delays in physical development, symptoms of general intoxication, fatigue and weakness, headaches, sleep disturbances, and decreased appetite. Further progression of the pathology manifests as hematuria, nocturia, increased urges to urinate, swelling, and elevated blood pressure. Almost half of the patients experience hearing deterioration of varying severity, and about 30% exhibit vision disorders. Gradually, the death of nephrons leads to the development of acute kidney failure, requiring emergency therapy.
Currently, there is no effective specific therapy for this disease. To maintain normal kidney function, patients must adhere to a therapeutic diet with maximum restrictions on daily intake of high-protein foods. An active lifestyle should be maintained, provided heavy loads are limited. Foci of chronic infections must be thoroughly sanitized in a timely manner. Additionally, caution should be exercised regarding planned vaccinations, administering them only based on epidemiological indications. If medication for other pathologies is necessary, care should be taken to avoid prescribing nephrotoxic drugs.
The medication therapy regimen for hereditary nephritis includes the following drugs:
- angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) — cause vasodilation, activate renal blood circulation, reduce intraglomerular pressure, and prevent fibrosis;
- angiotensin receptor blockers — have effects similar to ACE inhibitors but provide a gentler, milder effect;
- vitamin complexes;
- immunomodulators;
- anabolics.
Additionally, patients are prescribed oxygen barotherapy (hyperbaric oxygenation) — a procedure conducted in a barochamber with increased controlled oxygen pressure. In cases of terminal kidney failure, replacement therapy is indicated. For this, the patient undergoes hemodialysis (blood purification on an "artificial kidney" machine) or hemofiltration.
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Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
Patient examination by specialists, conducting comprehensive assessments, and developing treatment plans take about three days in Israeli clinics.
During the initial consultation with the leading urologist, which the patient attends on the first day of their stay in the clinic, the doctor speaks with the patient's relatives, often identifying similar kidney diseases, hearing loss, and vision impairment in the family. Currently, genetic analysis methods that allow for the detection of the mutated gene are rarely prescribed due to their complexity and high cost. To confirm hereditary nephritis, it is recommended to conduct studies that demonstrate changes characteristic of this pathology.
On the following day, the assigned diagnostic procedures are performed:
- laboratory tests of urine and blood — in hereditary nephritis, proteinuria, high levels of leukocytes and casts, and positive kidney tests are found in urine, while blood shows elevated levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid;
- kidney biopsy — collection of kidney tissue via puncture followed by histological and immunofluorescent analysis;
- imaging studies (CT, MRI);
- kidney ultrasound;
- scintigraphy.
The results of the studies are reviewed by a medical commission consisting of a urologist and specialized experts. After analyzing the data, the doctors collectively make a final diagnosis and develop a treatment program.
What is the Cost of Treatment for the Disease
Medical tourists are very concerned about the cost of therapy and its accessibility. Undergoing treatment in Israeli clinics allows patients to save approximately 30% of the funds they would need to spend in Western European countries and about 50% of the cost of similar services in the USA.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- Qualification and experience of doctors, many of whom are among the leading urologists in the world.
- Excellent material and technical base of clinics.
- Use of the latest generation of medications.
- Accurate diagnosis.
- Affordable prices.
If not long ago hereditary nephritis was considered a severe disease with an unfavorable prognosis, today the rapid development of medicine allows for a long normal life for patients. The main condition is the timeliness of therapy, so do not hesitate to contact the chosen clinic and start treatment.