Celebrate Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome (LPHS) Awareness Day on August 1st

Organization: LPHS Awareness

Help us raise awareness for Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome (LPHS) on August 1st, 2014

What is Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome?

Loin pain-hematuria syndrome (LPHS) is a kidney disorder characterized by persistent or recurrent loin pain and hematuria (blood in the urine). The hematuria is usually microscopic, however most people with LPHS also experience at regular episodes of gross (visible) hematuria.The condition is very rare and since being founded in 1967 there has been around 1000 documented cases to date worldwide. LPHS is a debilitating disease due to chronic pain and the inability to know how to control the glomerular aspect. The pain of LPHS can be worsened by acts as simple as riding in the car and undertaking daily activities. Many people with this condition are unable to maintain employment due to the debilitating pain.

What causes LPHS?

Currently, the cause of LPHS is unknown. Researchers have hypothesized that the syndrome may be due to blood vessel diseases of the kidney, spasms of the kidney vessels, or other bleeding disorders (coagulopathy). The hematuria in LPHS may be due to an abnormal (thick or thin) glomerular basement membrane. The glomerular basement membrane is a tissue in the kidney that filters the blood. An abnormal glomerular basement membrane may allow red blood cells into the urinary space. As kidney stones are so common in people with LPHS, crystals in the kidney tubules may also play a part in bleeding and pain.