Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Establishing the diagnosis of benign familial hematuria: the importance of examining the urine sediment of family members

Journal Article · · JAMA, J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States)

Patients with microscopic hematuria are generally referred for urologic investigation. The authors describe 30 patients with normal renal function referred to our clinic during the years 1970 through 1987 for evaluation of hematuria, usually microscopic, in whom prior urologic and radiological studies had failed to determine the cause of bleeding. Urinary sediment from the patients and first-degree relatives revealed hemoglobin and red blood cell casts; the inheritance pattern was consistent with autosomal dominant transmission. During follow-up for up to 18 years, renal function remained normal, thus confirming the diagnosis of benign familial hematuria. Immunoglobulin A nephropathy and Alport's syndrome were less common than benign familial hematuria and could be differentiated from it by history, physical examination, and routine laboratory testing. Since benign familial hematuria is a common disorder in adults with hematuria and normal renal function, urinary sediment from patients and family members should be examined before extensive urologic and radiological procedures are performed.

Research Organization:
Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (USA)
OSTI ID:
7164825
Journal Information:
JAMA, J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States), Journal Name: JAMA, J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States) Vol. 259:15; ISSN JAMAA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English