SALT WASTING NEPHROPATHY(SWN) IN PRIMARY CARE

J WOON, R NARENTHIRAN, M WEERASINGHE, R ISLAM, P MCCLELLAND.

Goulburn Valley Health, Shepparton, VIC

Aim; To improve awareness of tubulo-interstitial renal disease.

Background; SWN has previously been described at ANZSN. It is important because traditional nephrology investigations fail to identify this condition which may be associated with considerable clinical morbidity.

Methods; A questionnaire was designed and handed out to patients routinely attending four rural primary care centres. Patients voluntarily completed the questionnaire and the outcomes are presented. The questionnaires were assessed by one of the authors and allocated to either SWN group, controls or alternative cause for salt wasting.

Results; 295 questionnaires were returned, 69% female, 28% male and undetermined in 3%. Mean age 55 years, range 17-97 years. 68 responses (23%) were assessed to have alternative causes for salt wasting such as enteropathy, diuretic therapy, diabetes or combinations of these factors. 6 questionnaires were spoiled leaving 221 (75%), 101 (34%) were designated as SWN and the remaining 120 (41%) were designated the control group. Compared to controls, SWN were more likely to be female (73% vs 64%) and younger (mean age 51 years vs 56 years).

Conclusion; SWN appears to be common in the primary care community and like previous descriptions favour females.

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