CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NON-PROTEINURIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETIC IN INDIA: A COHORT STUDY.

Background The study aims to examine the clinical profile and progression of non-proteinuric diabetic kidney disease (NP-DKD) in type 2 diabetic patients in India and compare it with proteinuric diabetic kidney disease. Methods A cohort study of 120 patients over 18 years old was carried out. Individuals were divided into proteinuric (n=68) and non-proteinuric (n=52) groups based on uPCR or 24-hour urine protein levels. Data on demographics, clinical parameters, and biochemical investigations were gathered at baseline and during follow-ups at six months and one year. Renal function was assessed using eGFR, and proteinuria was monitored. Statistical analyses were performed. Results The study comprised 70 males (58.3%) and 50 females (41.7%). The participants had a mean age of 55.3 ± 10.2 years and an average diabetes duration of 12.5 ± 6.4 years. The proteinuric group exhibited a significantly lower baseline eGFR (45.8 ± 12.6 ml/min/1.73 m²) compared to the nonproteinuric group (62.4 ± 8.7 ml/min/1.73 m², p < 0.001). Over one year, the proteinuric group had a larger mean decline in eGFR (8.5 ± 3.4 ml/min/1.73 m²) than the nonproteinuric group (4.2 ± 2.1 ml/min/1.73 m², p < 0.001). ACEi/ARB therapy substantially reduced proteinuria in the proteinuric group (p < 0.01). Hyperkalemia was more prevalent in the proteinuric group (22.1%) compared to the nonproteinuric group (7.7%, p = 0.03). Conclusion NP-DKD poses a significant risk for renal function decline, similar to proteinuric DKD. ACEi/ARB therapy effectively reduces proteinuria but needs careful monitoring for hyperkalemia. Early detection and tailored management are crucial for improving NP-DKD patient outcomes. Recommendations Regular monitoring of renal function and proteinuria, along with the use of ACEi/ARB therapy, should be considered for all diabetic patients, with particular attention to those with NP-DKD. Further research is ought to explore additional therapeutic options and improve diagnostic techniques for NP-DKD

Corrosion survey of reinforced and pre-stressed concrete structures - methodology of approach

Of late, many of the strategic reinforced and prestressed concrete structures have started showing signs of distress within a short period. Usually, the condition of the structures is monitors by visual inspection and remedial measures are resorted to only when the condition becomes very seriously of heavy rusting of steel reinforcements followed by cracking and spelling of concrete. It is desirable to, monitor the condition of such strategic structures right from the construction stage by carrying out periodic corrosion surveys and maintaining a record of data. In this paper, an integrated approach to such a corrosion survey is presented with some typical examples

Monitoring of corrosion of prestressing steel cables in prestressed concrete bridges

There are many instances wherein presetressing steel in prestressed concrete has suffered sever corrosion leading to premature deterioration of bridges. Till date no reliable non-destructive test is available to monitor the condition of prestressing steel encased in cement group and high strength concrete. Attempts have been made to monitor the corrosion of prestressing steel cables by measurement of electrical resistance of the cables using accessible cable ends as terminal points. In this paper, some typical results obtained on some coastal bridges are resented. The limitations of the method are also pointed out

Non-destructive cover thickness measurements using eddy current principle

Measurement of cover thickness of concrete over steel is an important aspect of study in any reinforced pre-stressed concrete structure which is under distress. Inadequate cover is often one of the factors contributing to accelerated deterioration