Abstract

AIM: In this study we investigated if erithropoietin levels which produced by renal peritubuler cells was a prognostic marker for early diagnosis of diabetic nephropahy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study 160 Type II diabetic patients and 40 healthy volunteers were investigated. Five groups were made according to their renal functions. (Normal renal function, microalbuminüric macroalbuminüric with normal creatinin clearence, macroalbuminüric with low creatinin clearence and control group). Blood EPO, EPOXHb, renal functions and their clinical prognosis were investigated in all groups. RESULTS: We determined that blood EPO and EOXHb levels begin to reduce before microalbuminuric phase end low EPO and EPOXHb values are related to rapid progression. CONCLUSION: These findings showthat serum EPO measurements are valuable as as a criteria for early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy.