Exploring normal urinary biomarker ratios in a pediatric population: insights into age and gender variations

Abstract

Aims: The assessment of urinary biomarker ratios, such as sodium/creatinine (Na/Crea), potasium/creatinine (K/Crea), calcium/creatinine (Ca/Crea), phosphorus/creatinine (P/Crea), uric acid/creatinine (Uric acid/Crea), magnesium/creatinine (Mg/Crea), and sodium/potassium (Na/K), holds significant importance in clinical and research contexts as they offer insights into physiological and pathological processes. This study aimed to establish the normal ranges of urinarymineral ratios across age and gender groups in a Turkish pediatric cohort. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted involving 162 healthy children, with ages ranging from 2 to 15 years, at the Department of Pediatrics, Selçuk University. Demographic information, urinary biomarker ratios, and dietary features were recorded. Participants were divided into three age groups (2-5, 6-10, and 11-15 years), and statistical analyses were performed to determine relationships and variations. Results: Gender distribution was uniform across age groups (p>0.05). Urinary creatinine levels stabilized after age 6. The mean urinary Na/Crea ratio was 0.33±0.22 mEq/mg, showing correlations with age and other ratios (p<0.001). Urinary K/Crea ratio was 0.13±0.15 mEq/mg, with significant differences between Group 1 and Group 3 (p>0.05). Urinary Na/K ratio was 3.5±2.4 mEq/mEq and correlated with uric acid and Ca/Crea ratio (p<0.001). Urinary calcium levels were consistent (p<0.001). Ca/Crea ratio correlated with other ratios (p<0.001). Urine P/Crea ratio differed significantly among groups (p>0.05). Uric acid levels differed between Group 2 and Group 3 (p>0.05), while uric acid//Crea ratio correlated with age and other ratios (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings provide insights into the normal ranges of urinary biomarker ratios in a Turkish pediatric cohort. The results align with previous studies and emphasize the impact of age, gender, and dietary factors on these ratios.