Beta 2-microglobulinaemia: a sensitive index of diminishing renal function in diabetics. Issue 6258 (10th January 1981)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Viberti, G C; Keen, H; Mackintosh, D
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 282:Issue 6258(1981)
• Page Start: 95
• Page End: 98
• Publication Date: 1981-01-10
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.282.6258.95
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : A sensitive single measure of diminishing renal function is of importance in attempts to modify the progression of diabetic nephropathy. In 12 insulin-dependent diabetics with proteinuria plasma concentrations of beta 2-microglobulin were found to correlate more closely than plasma creatinine concentrations or creatinine clearance with glomerular function as measured by clearance of 52Cr-EDTA. The plasma beta 2-microglobulin concentration was raised in all patients with diminished glomerular filtration rate (below 80 ml/min/1.73 m2). By contrast, in two of these patients plasma creatinine concentration was normal. Plasma beta 2-microglobulin concentrations were stable throughout the day and not affected by food intake, unlike plasma creatinine concentrations, which rose in the afternoon and evening and after a meat meal. Plasma beta 2-microglobulin concentrations were the same in venous and capillary blood, the capillary blood being readily self-collected. Concentrations of beta 2-microglobulin were stable for up to 24 hours when whole blood was stored at 4 degrees C; adding aprotinin inhibited loss of beta 2-microglobulin for up to seven days. The results of this study suggest, therefore, that measuring beta 2-microglobulin concentrations is a simple and accurate method of detecting minor degrees of renal impairment and monitoring the effects of treatment.