Renal tubular dysfunction in a patient with beta-thalassemia minor.
Beta-thalassemia minor is a hemoglobinopathy which has been known as a symptomless carrier state. Although there are many causes leading to renal tubular dysfunction, beta-thalassemia minor has not been reported among them in reviewing the literature. In a 20-year-old male patient referred to us because of glucosuria detected with dipstick, there was also anemia (hemoglobin, 11.5 g/dl; mean cell volume, 60 fl; and mean cell hemoglobin concentration, 19.5 pg). The 24-hour urinary glucose excretion rate was 5 g and, additionally, he had tubular proteinuria (albumin/beta(2)-microglobulin ratio in urine was 17.32). Based upon the detailed evaluation for both asymptomatic urinary abnormality and anemia, he was diagnosed as having renal tubular dysfunction and beta-thalassemia minor (hemoglobin A(1)was 91%, and hemoglobin A(2)was 9%). In conclusion, further reports are needed to reveal whether there is an association between these two distinct disorders.
Department of Internal Medicine, Gülhane Military Medical Academy and Faculty, Etlik, Ankara, Turkey. coktenli@yahoo.com
Cagatay
C
Oktenli
Fatih
F
Bulucu
D000328:Adult; D006029:Glycosuria / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007684:Kidney Tubules / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology