Influence of apolipoprotein E genotype on progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Aims: Diabetic nephropathy progresses at a variable rate part of which may be explained by genetic polymorphisms. ApoE polymorphisms are associated with progression of atherosclerosis and because of the similarities between atherosclerosis and glomerulosclerosis, we chose to examine apoE and its role in progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Methods: The apoE genotypes of 90 patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy who were recruited into a 2-year prospective randomised controlled study comparing intensive medical management with routine clinical care were analysed.

A prospective open-label randomised trial of quinapril and/or amlodipine in progressive non-diabetic renal failure.

Background: Treatment of hypertension slows the progression of non-diabetic nephropathies, but the optimal regimen is unknown. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are more effective than beta-blockers, but their merits relative to calcium channel blockers are less clear.

Methods: 73 hypertensive patients with progressive non-diabetic nephropathies were prospectively randomised to open-label quinapril (Q, n = 28), amlodipine (A, n = 28) or both drugs (Q&A, n = 17).

Treatment and outcome of adult patients with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in five UK renal units.

Background: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is the least studied of the causes of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, and there are few specific guidelines for treatment.

Aim: To review data from five UK renal units to investigate whether adult patients with FSGS were treated uniformly, and to examine the effect of treatment on proteinuria and survival.

Design: Retrospective record review.

The link between circulating markers of endothelial function and proteinuria in patients with primary glomerulonephritis.

Introduction: It is well established that there is an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular mortality in patients with proteinuric renal disease. The magnitude of the increase in risk is unlikely to be explained by traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease alone. Proteinuria itself may constitute an additional risk factor, and proteinuric patients are known to have a degree of endothelial dysfunction.

Fracture risk of women with primary biliary cirrhosis: no increase compared with general population controls.

Aim: Patients with primary biliary cirrhosis may be at increased risk of osteoporosis but to what extent this is reflected in an increased fracture risk is unknown. We have enquired about the fracture experience of female primary biliary cirrhosis patients compared with sex- and age-matched controls.

Methods: Patients aged 30-75 with primary biliary cirrhosis and age-matched controls were sent a postal questionnaire asking about their fracture history and details of risk factors for osteoporosis.