Diagnostic criteria for Balkan endemic nephropathy: proposal by an international panel.
Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) is a familial chronic tubulointerstitial disease with insidious onset and slow progression to terminal renal failure. Diagnostic criteria for BEN have been described more than 40 years ago. Research groups on BEN use one of at least three described lists of criteria. Comparison of studies using such criteria is difficult, and a recent meeting of investigators (Zagreb, October 2006) has suggested that unified criteria have to be elaborated. In this paper, an International Panel of BEN Investigators agreed on criteria appropriate to epidemiologic studies and clinical investigations of BEN. A screening procedure of BEN in endemic settlements is proposed.
Stefanovic
Vladisav
V
Institute of Nephrology and Hemodialysis, Faculty of Medicine, Nis, Serbia. stefan@ni.ac.yu
Jelakovic
Bojan
B
Cukuranovic
Rade
R
Bukvic
Dana
D
Nikolic
Jovan
J
Lukic
Ljiljana
L
Gluhovschi
Gheorge
G
Toncheva
Draga
D
Polenakovic
Momir
M
Cosyns
Jean-Pierre
JP
D001449:Balkan Nephropathy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001706:Biopsy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009790:Occupations; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014567:Urography