Familial hematurias: What we know and what we don't

Over the past 30 years we have learned a great deal about the molecular genetics and natural history of familial forms of hematuria. Our enhanced understanding of these conditions has yet to generate effective therapies for Alport syndrome, the form of familial hematuria associated with end-stage renal disease. This review briefly presents the current state of knowledge about familial hematuria and argues for the organization of clinical therapeutic trials in Alport syndrome.