[Gamma]-Glutamyltransferase As a Predictor of Chronic Kidney Disease in Nonhypertensive and Nondiabetic Korean Men (Lipids, Lipoprotiens, And Cardiovascular Risk Factors‪)‬

The number of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) [3] is increasing worldwide (1, 2). In 1999, the US Renal Data System documented a persistent increase in kidney failure that required dialysis therapy or transplantation in 340 000 patients and a projected increase to 651 000 patients by 2010 (3). In Korea, there has been a recent dramatic increase in the prevalence of ESRD patients requiring renal replacement therapy, from 303.6 per million population in 1994 to 854.0 per million population in 2004 (4). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often progresses to ESRD with its attendant complications; and the treatment of the earlier stages of CKD is effective in slowing the progression toward ESRD (5, 6). Thus, the identification of the precursors of CKD is very important. Few prospective studies, however, have provided data on the risk factors for the development of CKD among the population in Asia.