What is Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN)

Balkan nephropathy is a disease of the kidneys.

Statistics on Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN)

This condition only occurs within an isolated region surrounding the Danube River in Europe. Only those people who reside in the low-lying plains surrounding the river are affected. It is thought that drinking the water from shallow wells in this region is associated with the development of disease.

Risk Factors for Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN)

The only known risk factor is being in residence in the region surrounding the Danube River.

Progression of Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN)

The onset of the disease is gradual, starting with the loss of small amounts of protein in the urine. This is called proteinuria and is a common early feature of many kidney diseases.

The condition will then progress at a variable rate, causing renal failure over a period of three months to ten years. Over the course of the illness, people with Balkan nephropathy are at increased risk of developing tumours of their urinary tract, which may be cancerous.

How is Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN) Diagnosed?

There are no investigation available for the specific diagnosis of this disease. Blood tests may be taken, however, to identify key (but non-specific) features of the disease, as well as exclude other diseases which may mimic this condition. The renal function can also be assessed by analysis of blood and urine samples.

Prognosis of Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN)

The prognosis of this condition is poor, as those who develop Balkan endemic nephropathy progressive to chronic renal failure over a period of three months to ten years. The risk of urinary tract cancer is also increased, which may occur prior to the development of renal failure requiring treatment and further compromising the prognosis.

How is Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN) Treated?

There are no known treatments to slow the progression of this disease. Treatment therefore remains supportive, keeping regular watch for the development of urinary tract cancers and renal failure, and initiating appropriate therapy should they occur.

Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN) References

  1. Braunwald E, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, et al. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine (15th edition). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Publishing; 2001. Book
  2. Kumar P, Clark M (eds). Clinical Medicine (5th edition). Edinburgh: WB Saunders Company; 2002. Book
  3. Radoni M, Radosevi Z. Clinical features of Balkan endemic nephropathy. Food Chem Toxicol. 1992;30(3):189-92. Abstract

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