Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Assessment of Kidney Function in Mouse Models of Glomerular Disease
09:16

Assessment of Kidney Function in Mouse Models of Glomerular Disease

Published on: June 30, 2018

Increased urinary albumin excretion in children from families with Balkan nephropathy

Vladisav Stefanović1, Rade Cukuranović, Marina Mitić-Zlatković

  • 1Institute of Nephrology and Hemodialysis, Faculty of Medicine, B.Taskovica 48, 18000 Nis, Serbia. stefan@ni.ac.yu

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|November 15, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Children in Balkan nephropathy (BN) endemic areas show increased urinary albumin excretion, particularly in autumn. This suggests early kidney damage in children living in these environmentally induced disease regions.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Pediatric Health

Background:

  • Balkan nephropathy (BN) is an environmentally induced kidney disease.
  • Abnormalities in the urinary tract have been observed in children from families with BN.
  • No previous studies have specifically described Balkan nephropathy in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate urinary albumin excretion in healthy children aged 9-13 years living in areas endemic for Balkan nephropathy.
  • To assess potential seasonal variations in kidney function markers in children from endemic and non-endemic regions.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 703 healthy children (9-13 years) in endemic and non-endemic settlements near the South Morava River.
  • Collected 3-hour urine samples in spring, autumn, and winter after a water load.
  • Measured urinary albumin excretion and correlated it with tubular nephrotoxicity markers (beta(2)-microglobulin, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase).

Main Results:

  • Albumin excretion was highest in children from families with BN across all seasons.
  • Significantly higher albumin levels were observed in children from endemic areas compared to city children.
  • In autumn, elevated albumin excretion (≥8.5 mg/mmol creatinine) was found in 15/229 children from endemic areas versus 5/454 from non-endemic areas (P<0.0001).
  • Albumin excretion correlated strongly with beta(2)-microglobulin and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase in endemic villages during autumn.

Conclusions:

  • Children from families with Balkan nephropathy exhibit significantly increased urinary albumin excretion.
  • Seasonal variations, particularly in autumn, are associated with higher albumin levels in children from endemic regions.
  • Findings suggest subclinical kidney damage in children residing in Balkan nephropathy endemic areas, highlighting the need for early detection and intervention.

More Related Videos

Using 2-Photon Microscopy to Quantify the Effects of Chronic Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction on Glomerular Processes11:47

Using 2-Photon Microscopy to Quantify the Effects of Chronic Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction on Glomerular Processes

Published on: March 4, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management01:26

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests01:24

Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests

Renal function tests are crucial for assessing kidney health, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the kidneys' efficiency in waste elimination, fluid balance, and electrolyte regulation. These tests offer critical insights into kidney function, even though routine measurements may appear normal until there is a significant decline in the glomerular filtration rate or GFR. Typically, signs of kidney impairment only become evident when the GFR falls to about 50% of its normal level.
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
Diabetic Nephropathy01:28

Diabetic Nephropathy

Definition Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic kidney complication that results from prolonged hyperglycemia.Prevalence It is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, affecting up to half of individuals with diabetes.Pathophysiology • Sustained hyperglycemia triggers multiple hemodynamic and metabolic changes in the kidney. • Early in the disease, increased renal blood flow and glomerular hyperfiltration occur due to afferent arteriolar...
Urine Studies I: Urinalysis01:29

Urine Studies I: Urinalysis

Urinalysis is a widely used diagnostic test that analyzes urine's physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics. Healthcare providers use it to detect and monitor various health conditions, including renal disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, and metabolic or systemic disorders.Components of UrinalysisUrinalysis consists of three primary components: physical, chemical, and microscopic examination. Each provides unique insights into the urine sample and, by extension, the...
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...