Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Cataract-nephropathy-encephalopathy syndrome

A rare condition from the newborn period involving cataracts, kidney problems, seizures, and short stature.

Understanding Cataract-nephropathy-encephalopathy syndrome

Cataract-nephropathy-encephalopathy syndrome is a rare condition with short stature, cataracts, brain problems with seizures, and kidney problems.

GARD notes there have been no further descriptions in the medical literature since 1963. It begins in the newborn period.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Cataract
  • Kidney tube problems (renal tubular dysfunction)
  • Seizures
  • Intellectual disability
  • Eye shaking (nystagmus)
  • Short stature

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include eye disease specialists, genetic specialists and kidney specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Kidney specialists (nephrologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with National Kidney Foundation and other patient organizations
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which specialists should follow the kidneys and brain?
How can seizures be managed?
Could genetic counseling help our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive

GARD says changes in genes cause this condition. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive way, so a child inherits a changed copy of a gene from each parent.

GeneticKidney

Also known as: congenital cataract, nephropathy, encephalopathy syndrome; crome syndrome

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Cataract-nephropathy-encephalopathy syndromeGARD ID 1614 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Cataract-nephropathy-encephalopathy syndrome.

Explore the Cataract-nephropathy-encephalopathy syndrome blog

Explore research for Cataract-nephropathy-encephalopathy syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Cataract-nephropathy-encephalopathy syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Cataract-nephropathy-encephalopathy syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Cataract-nephropathy-encephalopathy syndrome studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Cataract-nephropathy-encephalopathy syndrome

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Cataract-nephropathy-encephalopathy syndrome

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Cataract-nephropathy-encephalopathy syndrome experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.