HIGH-INCIDENCE OF END-STAGE RENAL-DISEASE IN INDO-ASIANS IN THE UK

In a retrospective survey, we show that the incidence of end-stage ren al disease (ESRD) is significantly raised among immigrant lndo-Asians referred to two UK renal units (p<0.001). In addition to the expected increase in diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis and chronic pyelo nephritis are also seen more frequently in Indo-Asians. The most strik ing finding was a five-fold increase in ESRD of uncertain cause (p<0.0 01) presenting with small smooth kidneys, which was strongly associate d with active, mostly non-renal tuberculosis. The causes of this gener alized increased susceptibility to renal disease are unknown. These fi ndings have important implications both for primary health care screen ing and for planning the provision of renal replacement therapy.