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Study finds frequencies of glomerular diseases differ significantly by continent
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A study that analyzed rates on four continents showed frequencies of glomerular diseases differed by continent, and this finding remained when investigators studied patients of similar race/ethnicity.
According to the study, which was published in the Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, regional environmental and lifestyle variables, and local biopsy policies could influence glomerular disease epidemiology independently of race/ethnicity.
“This study revealed substantial differences in the relative frequencies of individual glomerular disease subtypes depending on patients’ racial and ethnic backgrounds and on where in the world they live,” Michelle M. O’Shaughnessy, MD, MRCPI, MS, from Stanford University School of Medicine and the principal author of the study, told Healio Nephrology. “These findings suggest that while genetic factors might predispose patients to developing glomerular disease, social or environmental influences might determine whether and how their disease manifests and comes to clinical attention.”
With the use of a standardized data collection form, researchers surveyed 29 nephropathology laboratories in four continents – 13 in Europe, 10 in North America, three in Latin America, two in Asia and one in Saudi Arabia. From a total of 60,340 diagnoses, 42,603 glomerular disease diagnoses reported that glomerular disease subtype frequencies differed significantly by continent. It was noted that for the purposes of the study, Saudi Arabia was grouped with European laboratories.
Researchers found diabetic glomerulosclerosis (GS) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) predominated in North America. Lupus nephritis and FSGS predominated in Latin America. In Europe, immunoglobin A nephropathy (IgAN) and FSGS predominated. Lastly, IgAN and lupus nephritis predominated in Asia.
“These findings are hoped to motivate further research aiming to identify modifiable factors that, if targeted, might prevent or attenuate disease development,” O’Shaughnessy said. “Further, this work demonstrates the feasibility and utility of multinational, intercontinental, efforts to better understand the epidemiology and outcomes of patients with glomerular disease.” – by Jake Scott
Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
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