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Clinical features of Balkan endemic nephropathy
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
Summary
Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) presents with subtle early symptoms, progressing to renal insufficiency and anemia. Advanced stages reveal urothelial tumors and a chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) is a chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis affecting specific geographic regions.
- Understanding its clinical manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively describe the clinical symptoms, signs, and laboratory findings of Balkan endemic nephropathy.
- To delineate the progression of the disease from early stages to advanced renal failure and associated complications.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation and case description of patients with Balkan endemic nephropathy.
- Review of laboratory tests including urinalysis, blood work, and imaging.
- Pathological examination findings including urothelial tumor incidence.
Main Results:
- Early stages are often asymptomatic, followed by weakness, lassitude, and impaired urine concentration.
- Advanced stages show anemia, elevated blood pressure, and a uraemic syndrome.
- Urothelial tumors occur frequently (2-47%), with tubular proteinuria and abnormal urinary sediment.
Conclusions:
- BEN is characterized by a slow progression of tubulo-interstitial nephritis with distinct clinical and laboratory features.
- Early detection of impaired renal function and associated complications like urothelial tumors is vital.
- The disease impacts working capacity significantly in its later stages.