The diagnosis and racial origin of 394 patients undergoing renal biopsy: an association between Indian race and interstitial nephritis.

BACKGROUND

There is a high incidence of renal disease in the ethnically Indian population in the United Kingdom, the pathological basis for which is only partly understood. This study attempted to define associations between renal biopsy diagnosis and race. The aim was thereby to identify types of renal disease which may contribute to the observed predisposition to renal failure in the Indian population served by our centre.

METHOD

A single-centre-based retrospective analysis of the final diagnosis and corresponding ethnicity in 394 consecutive patients undergoing native renal biopsy for the investigation of abnormal renal function or urinary sediment.

RESULTS

A highly significant association between a diagnosis of interstitial nephritis and Indian race was observed. There were 30 cases of interstitial nephritis, of whom 17 were Indian. In 15 of the Indian patients no aetiology could be established. The clinical features, outcomes, and the effect of steroid therapy in the Indian patients with idiopathic interstitial nephritis are described.

CONCLUSION

Idiopathic interstitial nephritis is associated with Indian racial origin. This pathology may significantly contribute to the high incidence of end-stage renal failure in Indian patients resident in the United Kingdom.