Early diagnosis of endemic nephropathy

Urinary alpha(1)-microglobulin as a tubular marker and albumin as a glomerular marker were measured in 373 subjects living in a typical endemic village of Kaniza, Croatia, previously classified as diseased, suspect, 'at risk' and others according to the criteria used for the diagnosis of endemic nephropathy. Based on the excretion pattern of alpha(1)-microglobulin and albumin and its extent, significant tubular with significant glomerular proteinuria was found in seven diseased subjects. Significant tubular proteinuria with slight glomerular proteinuria was found in one diseased subject, while another diseased subject had slight tubular with significant glomerular proteinuria. Significant tubular with significant glomerular proteinuria was found in only one suspect subject. Also, significant tubular proteinuria was established in one other subject.