Clinical features of renal diseases in South‐East Asia

Summary: The renal diseases in South‐East Asia are similar to other parts of the world (i.e. glomerulonephritis, diabetes mellitus, HT, obstructive uropathy, adult‐onset polycystic kidney disease, nephrolithiasis and tubulointerstitial diseases). IgA nephropathy with haematuria is most common in Singapore, while IgM nephropathy with nephrotic syndrome is common in Thailand. Lupus nephritis is the most common cause of secondary glomerulonephritis and a major cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Acute renal failure from specific infection (malaria, leptospirosis, melioidosis), from toxin exposure (snake bite, wasp sting), from exertional heat stroke, and from drugs is frequently found. Nephrolithiasis, distal renal tubular acidosis and hypokalaemia are endemic in NE Thailand. In conclusion, the broad clinical features of renal diseases in South‐East Asia are similar to other regions, with additional specific causes from infections, toxic, metabolic and environmental derangements associated with these tropical locations.