High-risk diabetic nephropathy patients: The outcome of evidence-based clinical practice in an outpatient clinic

ObjectiveA retrospective audit to assess the impact of a combined diabetes–renal consultant clinic over 10 years, on slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy, using recognised markers of renal disease progression, including creatinine clearance and proteinuria.Methods44 high-risk patients with diabetic nephropathy defined as having significant proteinuria (an elevated albumin creatinine ratio greater than 30 mg/mmol), and hypertension, a progressive rise in plasma creatinine or other evidence of diabetic microvascular disease or macrovascular disease, were identified. Sufficient follow up was defined as at least two data sets over a 12-month period prior to referral to the combined clinic, and at least 18 months of combined clinic follow up thereafter.ResultsIn this high risk group, GFR was falling at an average of 7.97 m/min/year (95% CI 9.83–6.10 ml/min/year) at the time of referral and following clinic intervention this was significantly reduced to 3.17 ml/min/year (95% CI 4.47–1.87 ml/min/year) over the duration of follow up. Blood pressure, glycaemic control and lipid status remained stable and close to current recommended guidelines.ConclusionsA combined diabetes–renal consultant clinic is an effective intervention to improve the outcome of high-risk diabetics with progressive diabetic nephropathy.