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 kidney failure, slows the progression of the disease, and improves prognosis in about 90% of cases.
In cases of suspected hereditary nephritis, genealogical research, including screening of close relatives and examination in a medical genetics laboratory, is of great importance for making the correct diagnosis. This takes into account the characteristic signs of the pathology identified in the patient, as well as information obtained from the child's parents. The development and implementation of the therapy program is carried out by a group of highly qualified doctors with extensive experience who actively research the problem and introduce innovative methods and drugs into clinical practice. 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 of the patient. The disease has been studied for over a hundred years, but its genetic nature was only proven in the 1980s. In approximately 83-85% of cases, clinical symptoms of the pathology first appear in a child before the age of ten, with the disease being much more severe in boys.
As a result of in-depth studies of the disease, it was found that its causes lie in gene 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 example, in type I hereditary nephritis, or Alport syndrome, damage and death of nephrons are associated with structural abnormalities of the inner ear and eyes. As a result, 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, has a severe course, reaching the terminal stage by about age 20.
- Type II — kidney dysfunction without hearing loss, developed kidney failure reaches the terminal phase by age 30.
- Type III — benign form of familial hematuria, external symptoms may only appear 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 lags in physical development, exhibits symptoms of general intoxication, fatigue and weakness, headaches, sleep disturbances, and decreased appetite. Further progression of the pathology manifests as hematuria, nocturia, increased urgency to urinate, swelling, and elevated blood pressure. Almost half of the patients experience hearing deterioration of varying severity, and about 30% have 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 foods high in protein. An active lifestyle is also necessary, provided that heavy loads are limited. Foci of chronic infections must be thoroughly sanitized in a timely manner. Additionally, caution should be exercised with planned vaccinations, administering vaccines only based on epidemiological indications. If medication for other pathologies is necessary, drugs with nephrotoxic effects should be avoided.
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 similar effects 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.
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
Examination by specialists, conducting a comprehensive examination, and developing a treatment plan takes 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 talks with the patient's relatives, often identifying similar kidney diseases, hearing loss, and vision impairment in the family. Since genetic analysis methods that can detect the mutated gene are rarely prescribed due to their complexity and high cost, it is recommended to conduct studies demonstrating changes characteristic of this pathology to confirm hereditary nephritis.
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 the 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.
How Much Does Treatment Cost
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.