RENAL-DISEASE PATTERNS IN ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIANS - A FAMILY-BASED STUDY IN A HIGH-INCIDENCE COMMUNITY

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To explore the apparent excess of renal disease in a coastal Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory and to explore its familial basis. DESIGN: Families were ascertained through probands with significant proteinuria. Controls were selected from unrelated subjects living with these families. PARTICIPANTS: All surviving grandparents, parents, siblings, children and grandchildren of 16 probands were studied; there were 219 participants in all, including 58 adult control subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anthropometric data included the body mass index (BMI), and resting blood pressure. Urinary protein and creatinine levels were measured and urine was examined microscopically f..