Q J Med 1999; 92: 443-449
© 1999 Association of Physicians
The care of patients with diabetic nephropathy: audit, feedback, and improvement
From the Richard Bright Renal Unit, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
Received 6 January 1999 and in revised form 7 May 1999
Professor T.G. Feest, Richard Bright Renal Unit, Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Bristol BS10 5NB
Diabetic nephropathy is the commonest cause of end-stage renal failure in the developed world. The quality of care of 152 patients with diabetic nephropathy was assessed at the time of referral to a single nephrologist. The type II diabetics (62%) were older than the type I diabetics (38%) (mean 65 years vs. 48 years). The mean duration of diabetes was 17 years. Significant cardiovascular disease was present in 52%. There was diabetic retinopathy in 84% of the type I diabetics and 53% of the type II diabetics. Overall, 63% had hypertension at referral (St Vincent Declaration criteria), untreated in 25%. ACE inhibitors were not prescribed in 48% when no contraindications to their use were present. Glycosylated haemoglobin was >9.1% in 29%. Twenty were prescribed medications inappropriate to their renal function. Of patients with ischaemic heart disease and serum cholesterol >5.5 mmol/l, 82% were untreated; 82% of patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism were also untreated. At initial referral, many patients' care was sub-optimal. Referral was too late for adequate preparation for renal replacement therapy in 33%. Following a process of education and feedback of the results to referring practitioners, the timing of referral improved. We emphasize the need for closer co-operation between those managing diabetic patients with nephropathy to optimize their care.
![]()
CiteULike
Connotea
Del.icio.us What's this?
This article has been cited by other articles:
![]() |
A. B. Rosen, M. B. Hamel, M. C. Weinstein, D. M. Cutler, A. M. Fendrick, and S. Vijan Cost-Effectiveness of Full Medicare Coverage of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors for Beneficiaries with Diabetes Ann Intern Med, July 19, 2005; 143(2): 89 - 99. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
N. Joss, K.R. Paterson, C.J. Deighan, K. Simpson, and J.M. Boulton-Jones Diabetic nephropathy: how effective is treatment in clinical practice? QJM, January 1, 2002; 95(1): 41 - 49. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||

