[Hereditary nephropathies]

Hereditary nephritis is usually accompanied by hematuria in childhood and, when associated with neurosensory deafness, is known as Alport's syndrome. In recent years, we have begun to understand that there are primary defects in glomerular basement membrane structure in hereditary nephritis. Increased knowledge concerning clinical and pathologic features has led to the identification of 4 types of hereditary nephritis. Herein, we review and update basic and clinical aspects of hereditary nephritis.