Comparison of dominant and nondominant C3 deposition in primary glomerulonephritis

Alternative complement pathway dysregulation plays a key role in glomerulonephritis (GN) and is associated with C3 deposition. Herein, we examined pathological and clinical differences between cases of primary GN with C3-dominant (C3D-GN) and nondominant (C3ND-GN) deposition. Methods: We extracted primary GN data from the Korean GlomeruloNEphritis sTudy (KoGNET). C3D-GN was defined as C3 staining two grades greater than C1q, C4, and immunoglobulin via immunofluorescence analysis. To overcome a large difference in the number of patients between the C3D-GN and C3ND-GN groups (31 vs. 9,689), permutation testing was used for analysis. Results: The C3D-GN group exhibited higher serum creatinine (p ≤ 0.001), a greater prevalence of estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/1.72 m2 (p ≤ 0.001), higher (but not significantly so) C-reactive protein level, and lower serum C3 level (p ≤ 0.001). Serum albumin, urine protein/creatinine ratio, number of patients who progressed to end-stage renal disease, and all-cause mortality were comparable between groups. Interstitial fibrosis and mesangial cellularity were greater in the C3D-GN group (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively) than in the C3ND-GN group. C3 deposition was dominant in the former group (p < 0.001), in parallel with increased subendothelial deposition (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Greater progression of renal injury and higher mortality occurred in patients with C3D-GN than with C3ND-GN, along with pathologic differences in interstitial and mesangial changes.

Uric Acid and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Background@#This study aimed to examine the association of serum uric acid levels with incident cardiovascular disease and mortality in Korean adults without gout. @*Methods@#This large longitudinal cohort study included adults aged > 19 years who had serum uric acid levels measured at least once at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015. Longitudinal data on person-level cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular mortality were linked to the National Health Insurance Service claims database and National Death Index. @*Results@#Among a total of 92,454 study participants with a median follow-up of 4.7 years, 7,670 (8.3%) composite events of cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular mortality were observed. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models revealed that each 1 mg/dL increment in uric acid level was associated with a 6% higher risk of composite outcomes.Compared with that for the uric acid level category of 4.0 to < 5.0 mg/dL, adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for uric acid level categories of 5.0 to < 6.0, 6.0 to < 7.0, and ≥ 7.0 mg/dL were 1.10 (1.04–1.18), 1.20 (1.11–1.30), and 1.36 (1.25–1.47), respectively. In the secondary analyses for cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular mortality examined separately, a higher uric acid level was similarly associated with a higher risk of each adverse outcome. These associations were generally consistent across clinically relevant subgroups. @*Conclusion@#A graded association was noted between serum uric acid levels and cardiovascular risk, suggesting that higher uric acid levels may adversely affect cardiovascular health and survival in individuals without gout.

Eosinophilia in Patients with End Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis

Objective@#Eosinophilia in patients on hemodialysis has already been reported. It has been associated with allergy to dialyzers and exaggerated activation of complement during hemodialysis. Its etiology, however, remains unknown. In addition, there are not enough studies on eosinophilia in patients on hemodialysis in Korea. Therefore, we performed this retrospective study to find out the prevalence and possible etiologic factors of blood eosinophilia in patients undergoing hemodialysis. @*Methods@#Between January 2013 to December 2015, the patients hospitalized for hemodialysis at Soonchunhyang University Hospital and National Health Insurance Service Medical Center (Ilsan Hospital) were included in this study. Eosinophilia was defined when absolute eosinophil count was greater than 500/μL, respectively. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients about parasite infection, other malignancies, and history of kidney transplantation. @*Results@#Of the 2,155 patients hospitalized for hemodialysis at two centers, 1,057 patients (49%) were found to have eosinophilia. We investigated 1,199 patients’ information (Soonchunhyang University Hospital) by the medical records. Two hundred two patients (16.8%) had no identifiable and/or possible causes. Only two patients complained of symptoms such as itching. Steroids were administered to control symptoms, and both patients had normal eosinophil levels, and steroids were discontinued. Other patients did not complain of specific symptoms associated with eosinophilia and did not take medication such as steroids. Eosinophilia was improved in 49% of patients without special treatments. @*Conclusion@#We found that the eosinophil counts in patients with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis were frequently elevated. However, in most cases, eosinophilia was not clinically relevant.

Mixed- versus predilution hemodiafiltration effects on convection volume and small and middle moleculeclearance in hemodialysis patients: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Background@#The use of newly developed mixed-dilution hemodiafiltration (HDF) can supplement the weaknesses of pre- and postdilution HDF. However, it is unclear whether mixed-HDF performs well compared to predilution HDF. @*Methods@#We conducted a prospective, open-labeled, randomized controlled trial from two hemodialysis centers in Korea. Between January 2017 and September 2019, 60 patients who underwent chronic hemodialysis were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to receive either predilution HDF (n = 30) or mixed-HDF (n = 30) for 6 months. We compared convection volume, changes in small- and medium-sized molecule clearance, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level, and dialysis-related parameters between the two dialysis modalities. @*Results@#A mean effective convection volume of 41.0 ± 10.3 L/session in the predilution HDF group and 51.5 ± 9.0 L/session in the mixed-HDF group was obtained by averaging values of three time-points. The difference in effective convection volume between the groups was 10.5 ± 1.3 L/session. This met the preset noninferiority criteria, suggesting that mixed-HDF was noninferior to predilution HDF. Moreover, the β2-microglobulin reduction rate was greater in the mixed-HDF group than in the predilution HDF group, while mixed-HDF provided greater transmembrane pressure. There were no significant between-group differences in Kt/V urea levels, changes in predialysis hs-CRP levels, proportions of overhydration, or blood pressure values. Symptomatic intradialytic hypotension episodes and other adverse events occurred similarly in the two groups. @*Conclusion@#Use of mixed-HDF was comparable to predilution HDF in terms of delivered convection volume and clinical parameters. Moreover, mixed-HDF provided better β2-microglobulin clearance than predilution HDF.

Reduction in proteinuria after immunosuppressive therapy and long-term kidney outcomes in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy

Background/Aims@#Despite controversy regarding the benefits of immunosuppressive therapy in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), clinical outcomes may vary depending on the patient’s responsiveness to this therapy. This study evaluated long-term kidney outcomes according to the extent of proteinuria reduction after immunosuppression in IgAN patients. @*Methods@#Among 927 patients with biopsy-proven IgAN, 127 patients underwent immunosuppression. Time-averaged urine protein-creatinine ratio before and within 1 year after start of immunosuppression were calculated, and responsiveness to immunosuppression was assessed as the reduction of proteinuria between the two periods. Patients were classified into tertiles according to the extent of proteinuria reduction. We compared the slopes of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline using a linear mixed model, and estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for disease progression (defined as development of a ≥ 30% decline in eGFR or end-stage renal disease) using a Cox proportional hazard model. @*Results@#Median extent of proteinuria reduction was –2.1, –0.9, and –0.2 g/gCr in the first, second, and third tertiles, respectively. There were concomitant changes in the slopes of annual eGFR decline: –2.03, –2.44, and –4.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 among the first, second, and third tertiles, respectively. In multivariable Cox analysis, the HRs (95% confidence intervals) for disease progression were 0.30 (0.12 to 0.74) in the first tertile and 0.70 (0.34 to 1.45) in the second tertile compared with the thirdtertile. @*Conclusions@#This study showed that greater proteinuria reduction after immunosuppression was associated with a lower risk of disease progression in patients with IgAN, suggesting that responsiveness to immunosuppression may be an important determinant of kidney outcomes.

Reduction in proteinuria after immunosuppressive therapy and long-term kidney outcomes in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy

Background/Aims@#Despite controversy regarding the benefits of immunosuppressive therapy in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), clinical outcomes may vary depending on the patient’s responsiveness to this therapy. This study evaluated long-term kidney outcomes according to the extent of proteinuria reduction after immunosuppression in IgAN patients. @*Methods@#Among 927 patients with biopsy-proven IgAN, 127 patients underwent immunosuppression. Time-averaged urine protein-creatinine ratio before and within 1 year after start of immunosuppression were calculated, and responsiveness to immunosuppression was assessed as the reduction of proteinuria between the two periods. Patients were classified into tertiles according to the extent of proteinuria reduction. We compared the slopes of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline using a linear mixed model, and estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for disease progression (defined as development of a ≥ 30% decline in eGFR or end-stage renal disease) using a Cox proportional hazard model. @*Results@#Median extent of proteinuria reduction was –2.1, –0.9, and –0.2 g/gCr in the first, second, and third tertiles, respectively. There were concomitant changes in the slopes of annual eGFR decline: –2.03, –2.44, and –4.62 mL/min/1.73 m2 among the first, second, and third tertiles, respectively. In multivariable Cox analysis, the HRs (95% confidence intervals) for disease progression were 0.30 (0.12 to 0.74) in the first tertile and 0.70 (0.34 to 1.45) in the second tertile compared with the thirdtertile. @*Conclusions@#This study showed that greater proteinuria reduction after immunosuppression was associated with a lower risk of disease progression in patients with IgAN, suggesting that responsiveness to immunosuppression may be an important determinant of kidney outcomes.

Body mass index is inversely associated with mortality in patients with acute kidney injury undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy

BACKGROUND: Many epidemiologic studies have reported on the controversial concept of the obesity paradox. The presence of acute kidney injury (AKI) can accelerate energy-consuming processes, particularly in patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Thus, we aimed to investigate whether obesity can provide a survival benefit in this highly catabolic condition. METHODS: We conducted an observational study in 212 patients who had undergone CRRT owing to various causes of AKI between 2010 and 2014. The study end point was defined as death that occurred within 30 days after the initiation of CRRT. RESULTS: Patients were categorized into three groups according to tertiles of body mass index (BMI). During ≥30 days after the initiation of CRRT, 39 patients (57.4%) in the highest tertile died, as compared with 58 patients (78.4%) in the lowest tertile (P = 0.02). In a multivariable analysis adjusted for cofounding factors, the highest tertile of BMI was significantly associated with a decreased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37–0.87; P = 0.01). This significant association remained unaltered for 60-day (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43–0.94; P = 0.03) and 90-day mortality (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.44–0.97; P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: This study showed that a higher BMI confer a survival benefit over a lower BMI in AKI patients undergoing CRRT.

Fatty liver associated with metabolic derangement in patients with chronic kidney disease: A controlled attenuation parameter study

BACKGROUND: Hepatic steatosis measured with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) using transient elastography predicts metabolic syndrome in the general population. We investigated whether CAP predicted metabolic syndrome in chronic kidney disease patients. METHODS: CAP was measured with transient elastography in 465 predialysis chronic kidney disease patients (mean age, 57.5 years). RESULTS: The median CAP value was 239 (202–274) dB/m. In 195 (41.9%) patients with metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus was more prevalent (105 [53.8%] vs. 71 [26.3%], P < 0.001), with significantly increased urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (184 [38–706] vs. 56 [16–408] mg/g Cr, P = 0.003), high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (5.4 [1.4–28.2] vs. 1.7 [0.6–9.9] mg/L, P < 0.001), and CAP (248 [210–302] vs. 226 [196–259] dB/m, P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, CAP was independently related to body mass index (β = 0.742, P < 0.001), triglyceride levels (β = 2.034, P < 0.001), estimated glomerular filtration rate (β = 0.316, P = 0.001), serum albumin (β = 1.386, P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (β = 0.064, P = 0.029), and total bilirubin (β = −0.881, P = 0.009). In multiple logistic regression analysis, increased CAP was independently associated with increased metabolic syndrome risk (per 10 dB/m increase; odds ratio, 1.093; 95% confidence interval, 1.009–1.183; P = 0.029) even after adjusting for multiple confounding factors. CONCLUSION: Increased CAP measured with transient elastography significantly correlated with and could predict increased metabolic syndrome risk in chronic kidney disease patients.

Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy Associated with Plasmodium falciparum Malaria

Glomerulonephritis occurs as a rare form of renal manifestation in Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Herein, we report a case of falciparum malaria-associated IgA nephropathy for the first time. A 49-yr old male who had been to East Africa was diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Microhematuria and proteinuria along with acute kidney injury developed during the course of the disease. Kidney biopsy showed mesangial proliferation and IgA deposits with tubulointerstitial inflammation. Laboratory tests after recovery from malaria showed disappearance of urinary abnormalities and normalization of kidney function. Our findings suggest that malaria infection might be associated with IgA nephropathy.

A Case of Peritonitis caused by Chryseobacterium meningosepticum in a Patient Treated with Peritoneal Dialysis / 대한신장학회지

Chryseobacterium meningosepticum is rarely encountered as a pathogen causing peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. We report a case of peritonitis due to Chryseobacterium meningosepticum, which was treated successfully with intraperitoneal (IP) vancomycin and ciprofloxacin, and without PD catheter removal. Peritonitis was developed in a 53-year-old PD patient on the third hospital day. Although empirical IP treatment with cefazolin and tobramycin was initiated and maintained for 3 days, the fever and signs of peritonitis persisted. Antibiotics were changed to cefoperazone/sulbactam, amikacin, and vancomycin due to clinical deterioration. After 3 days of vancomycin use, leukocyte count in PD fluid was less than 100/mm3 and the patient became asymptomatic. On seventh day after the onset of peritonitis, Chryseobacterium meningosepticum was isolated from initial dialysate sample, and this strain was susceptible to ciprofloxacin, piperacillin, and piperacillin/tazobactam. Accordingly, we changed the antibiotics to ciprofloxacin and vancomycin, which were given for the total of 14 days. Even though Chryseobacterium meningosepticum is an uncommon causative organism of peritonitis in PD patients, this report suggests that vancomycin and ciprofloxacin are effective as empiric therapy, and early suspicion and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are crucial to the successful treatment of peritonitis due to Chryseobacterium meningosepticum without catheter removal.

A Case of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Following Mitomycin C Treated with Long Intensive Plasmapheresis / 대한신장학회지

HUS (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome) is characterized by acute renal failure, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia. In classical HUS, hemorrhagic diarrhea precedes. It is frequently associated with E. Coli O157:H7. Less frequently, HUS may also develop after various treatments such as mitomycin C, cyclosporine, quinine, and ticlopidine. Plasmapheresis is effective in most of classical HUS, which induces a complete remission in most patients with classical HUS. However, this treatment is ineffective in HUS associated with mitomycin C. Although Plasmapheresis is effective on hematologic abnormality in this atypical HUS, chronic renal insufficiency frequently persists as a sequella in HUS associated with mitomycin C. We here report on one patient who developed HUS following mitomycin C therapy due to cervix cancer. The patient was treated with intensive and prolonged plasmapheresis. There was a complete hematologic improvement and steady improvement in renal function.

High Peritoneal Transport Status is Not an Independent Risk Factor for High Mortality in Patients Treated with Automated Peritoneal Dialysis

We undertook this study to elucidate whether baseline peritoneal membrane transport characteristics are associated with high mortality in incident automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) patients. This retrospective study includes 117 patients who started APD at Yonsei University Health System from 1996 to 2008 and had a PET within 3 months of APD initiation. High transporters were significantly older and had a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease. Patient survival for years 1, 3, and 5 were 85%, 64%, and 35% for high transporter and 94%, 81%, and 68% for non-high transporter group (P<0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, serum albumin level, and residual renal function were independently associated with high mortality in APD patients. In contrast, high transport status was not a significant predictor for mortality in this population when the other covariates were included. Even though high transport was significantly associated with mortality in the univariate analysis, its role seemed to be influenced by other comorbid conditions. These findings suggest that the proper management of these comorbid conditions, as well as appropriate ultrafiltration by use of APD and/or icodextrin, must be considered as protective strategies to improve survival in peritoneal dialysis patients with high transport.

Renal masses in end-stage renal disease patients on dialysis / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are at a higher risk for cancer, especially renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD) and long duration of dialysis predict RCC in these patients. We explored the cilnical and pathologic characteristics of renal masses and the factors predicting malignant tumors. METHODS: The study examined the medical records of 38 ESRD patients who underwent partial/total nephrectomy due to renal masses diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography at YUHS from January 1995 to December 2009. RESULTS: Renal masses were recorded in 38 patients (21 males) with a mean age of 48.3+/-13.2 years. Twenty patients (52.6%) were on hemodialysis and 18 patients (47.4%) were on peritoneal dialysis, for a mean period of 106.4+/-62.5 months. ACKD was reported in 23 patients (67.6%). Of the 38 renal masses, 23 (60.5%) were diagnosed as malignant tumors and 15 (39.5%) were benign tumors. Clear cell RCC (n=16) and hematoma (n=6) was the predominant respective types. The patients with malignant tumors had a significantly longer duration of dialysis (122.3+/-61.8 vs. 81.1+/-56.7 months, p<0.05) and a higher prevalence of ACKD (87.0 vs. 46.7%, p<0.01) compared to the patients with benign tumors. CONCLUSIONS: The most common renal mass in ESRD patients was RCC. Malignant tumors were significantly associated with a longer duration of dialysis and ACKD. Therefore, early evaluation and treatment of RCC are mandatory in long-term dialysis patients with ACKD.

The Effect of Uric Acid on GFR in Early Period after Kidney Transplantation / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Hyperuricemia is a common complication occurring shortly after kidney transplantation. Although increased uric acid level is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality, the relationship between uric acid level and graft function after transplantation has been a controversial issue. Therefore, we investigated the effects of uric acid on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and graft survival in the early periods of kidney transplantation. METHODS: Data were collected from 245 patients who underwent kidney transplantation between 2002 and 2004 at Yonsei University Medical Center. Uric acid level and estimated GFR were measured monthly during the first 6 months and then yearly for 3 years. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 40.2+/-11.7 years. The proportion of patients with hyperuricemia (uric acid < or =6.8 mg/dL) showed increment during the 3 year follow up. Increased serum uric acid level showed a negative correlation with estimated GFR during the initial 6 months after transplantation (r=-0.026, p<0.05). In Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with a mean uric acid level higher than 6.8 mg/dL during the first 6 months showed a lower cumulative graft survival during the consecutive 3 years compared to patients with a uric acid level lower than 6.8 mg/dL (HR 1.7, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Uric acid levels were associated with the changes of GFR in the initial 6 months of kidney transplantation, and the hyperuricemia during the early stages of transplantation might influence the long term graft survival.

Comparison of Various Methods for Estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Several methods are used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR), but there are limitations in each method. We investigated the variation in GFR measured by different methods in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: 549 patients with CKD stages 2-5, who underwent creatinine clearance (Ccr) and (99m)Tc-DTPA renal scan, were enrolled. GFR was calculated by using Cockcroft-Gault equation (CG-GFR) and MDRD equation (MDRD-GFR). The correlations between MDRD-GFR and GFR estimated by other methods were analyzed according to CKD stages and age groups ( or = 60 years). RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 55+/-19 year (male 60%). CG-GFR, Ccr, and estimated GFR by (99m)Tc-DTPA renal scan (DTPA-GFR) correlated significantly with MDRD-GFR in all CKD stages and all age groups (p<0.01). Compared to patients with stages 2-4 CKD, however, the possibilities of CGGFR, Ccr, and DTPA-GFR to be within 30% of MDRD-GFR were significantly lower in stage 5 CKD patients (p<0.05). In addition, the ratio of DTPA-GFR/MDRD-GFR in stage 5 CKD patients was 2.24+/-1.40, indicating overestimation of DTPA-GFR in these patients. On the other hand, the accuracy of various GFR-estimating methods was higher in patients aged more than 60 years compared to the others. CONCLUSION: CG-GFR, Ccr, and DTPA-GFR correlated significantly with MDRD-GFR, but there was a wide variation in GFR estimated by various methods. Therefore, a careful interpretation of estimation in GFR is needed according to the stage of CKD and the age of patients.

Changes in Skin Color in Hemodialysis Patients According to Dialysis Modality / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Skin hyperpigmentation in end stage renal disease patients is known to be attributed to the accumulation of middle molecular weight (MMW) substances such as urochromic pigments and carotenoids. Therefore, there is a possibility that hyperpigmentation may be improved by high-flux hemodialysis (HF-HD) and online hemodiafiltration (HDF). This prospective study was undertaken to investigate the quantitative changes in skin color in HD patients according to dialysis modality. METHODS: Eighty-two stable ESRD patients undergoing HD were enrolled and divided into three groups according to their dialysis modality. Melanin index and erythema index of forearm and abdomen (nonsun exposed area), and forehead (sun exposed area) were measured by narrow-band reflectance spectrophotometer at baseline and after 12 months. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the baseline values of melanin and erythema indices among the three groups. But the changes in forehead melanin index were significantly lower in HDF patients (-1.0+/-2.4%) compared to the LF-HD group (0.3+/-1.6%) (p<0.05), and forehead erythema index was significantly decreased in patients treated by HDF (-1.6+/-2.5%) relative to the lowflux hemodialysis group (-0.1+/-2.5%) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The changes in skin color of sun exposed area were reduced by HDF, suggesting that enhanced removal of MMW substances by convective therapy may be of advantage to skin hyperpigmentation in ESRD patients.

Clinical Characteristics of Non-diabetic Renal Disease in Type 2 Diabetic Patients / 대한신장학회잡지

BACKGROUND: Non-diabetic renal diseases are accompanied in 9-66% of type 2 diabetic patients and some clinical and laboratory findings are known as predictors of these non-diabetic renal disease. In Korea, however, there have been few studies on the clinical and pathologic findings of non-diabetic renal disease in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical, laboratory, and pathologic features of non-diabetic renal disease and to clarify the factors that could predict non-diabetic renal disease in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: The medical records of type 2 diabetic patients who were over 20 years old and underwent renal biopsy between January, 1994 and December, 2003, were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients were enrolled. Persistent hematuria (25.0%) was the leading reason for renal biopsy in type 2 diabetic patients, followed by sudden onset of nephrotic-range proteinuria (23.2 %), short duration (<10 years) of DM (23.2%), rapid deterioration of renal function (17.9%), and absence of diabetic retinopathy (8.9%). Renal biopsy revealed diabetic nephropathy (DN) in 20 patients (35.7%), non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD) in 33 patients (58.9%), and NDRD with concomitant DN in 3 patients (5.4%). The most common NDRD was membranous nephropathy, accompanied in 9 patients (16.1 %), followed by minimal change disease (10.7%), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (8.9%). When the patients were divided into DN (20 patients) and NDRD (36 patients) groups, NDRD group had significantly shorter duration of DM, more patients with hematuria, and less patients with DM retinopathy. In contrast, there were no differences in age, sex, blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, albumin, and total cholesterol levels, 24 hr urinary protein and albumin excretion, creatinine clearance, and proportion of patients with DM neuropathy between the two groups. CONCLUSION: There were significant differences in the duration of DM, the presence of hematuria, and the presence of retinopathy between DN and NDRD groups. Therefore, we must consider NDRD in type II DM patients with short duration of DM, hematuria or without retinopathy.