Your kidneys are one of the most important organs in your body that filter fluid and waste out of your blood, and you cannot live without them. Diseases that lower your kidney’s ability to clean your blood can affect not only the kidneys but harm other parts of your body too. These health conditions can cause chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

Fabry disease:

Fabry disease (also known as alpha-galactosidase-A deficiency) is an inherited disorder that results from the buildup of a type of fat, called globotriaosylceramide, in the body’s cells. Beginning in childhood, this buildup causes signs and symptoms that affect many parts of the body. Characteristic features of Fabry disease include episodes of pain, particularly in the hands and feet (acroparesthesias); clusters of small, dark red spots on the skin called angiokeratomas; a decreased ability to sweat (hypohidrosis); cloudiness or streaks in the front part of the eye (corneal opacity or corneal verticillate); problems with the gastrointestinal system; ringing in the ears (tinnitus); and hearing loss. Additional signs and symptoms are possible, which can vary among affected individuals.

The Fabry disease also involves potentially life-threatening complications such as progressive kidney failure, heart failure, and stroke. Some affected individuals have milder forms of the disorder that appear later in life and typically involve only the heart, kidneys, or blood vessels in the brain.

Cystinosis:

Cystinosis is a genetic condition present from birth that leads to the build-up of cystine crystals in the body. This can impact all the organs and tissues, but mainly affects the kidneys and eyes. The most common is the type that starts in infancy. Early symptoms include poor feeding, vomiting, and dehydration. Kidney problems and vision problems may also develop. The adult form of Cystinosis primarily affects the eyes, causing light sensitivity. Cystinosis is caused by genetic changes (DNA variants) in the CTNS gene and is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. It is diagnosed by checking for cystine levels in the blood, by genetic testing, or by an eye examination.

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys (glomeruli). The excess fluid and waste that glomeruli remove from the bloodstream exit the body as urine. Glomerulonephritis can come on suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic).

Glomerulonephritis occurs on its own or as part of another disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Severe or prolonged inflammation associated with glomerulonephritis can damage the kidneys. Treatment depends on the type of glomerulonephritis you have.

IgA Nephropathy

IgA nephropathy is a disease that causes proteins made by your immune system to build up in your kidneys and damage the tiny filters that clean your blood (glomeruli). This damage can take years to develop, and people with IgA nephropathy often do not know they have it. Over time, IgA nephropathy can lead to chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, or death. There is no cure for IgA nephropathy, but medicines can slow the damage to your kidneys.

Lupus Nephritis

Lupus Nephritis is an autoimmune disease (a disease that causes your body’s immune system to attack its own tissues) that leads to pain, swelling, and damage in your whole body, including your kidneys. This can lead to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. The exact cause of lupus nephritis is unknown and it cannot be cured, but with treatment, many people with lupus can lower their symptoms and prevent serious kidney damage.