Rare kidney diseases include more than 150 rare disorders, generally characterized by low prevalence and often with multifactorial causation; these disorders often have a major impact on kidney function and general health. Although individually rare, they collectively affect millions around the world. More than 150 rare kidney diseases are recognized; most are inherited.
These conditions may be due to genetic mutations, autoimmune disorders, or environmental causes and thus may present with several symptoms and complications.
Most of these disorders are inherited, having a genetic cause in 72% of instances and beginning in childhood in 70% of them. Depending on the type of disease involved, they may vary from cysts to scarring in the organs to metabolic imbalances.
