Abstract
BackgroundObesity and metabolic syndrome play causative roles in the increasing prevalence of proteinuria in the general population. However, in young adult women the clinical significance of incidentally discovered proteinuria and its association with metabolic syndrome are unclear. We investigated the prevalence and risk factors for proteinuria in this population.MethodsA total of 10,385 women aged 20 to 39 years who underwent health screenings were surveyed. Each patient was tested for proteinuria with a dipstick (−, ±, 1+, 2+, or 3+), and proteinuria was defined as 1+ or greater. Persistent proteinuria was established by confirming proteinuria in a subsequent test. Metabolic syndrome was defined in accordance with the updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for Asia.ResultsThe mean age was 28.9 ± 5.5 years, and the prevalence of persistent proteinuria was 1.0%. Among these subjects with persistent proteinuria, obesity and metabolic syndrome were found in 10.4% and 5.2%, respectively. Metabolic syndrome, as well as its components of hypertension, hyperglycemia, central obesity, low high-density lipoprotein levels, and high triglyceride levels, was closely related to the presence of proteinuria. In addition, a wide pulse pressure of ≥40 mmHg was another independent risk factor for proteinuria [odds ratio (OR) 3.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–11.91)]. This had an additive effect on metabolic syndrome in terms of predicting proteinuria. Even in subjects without metabolic syndrome, the influence of an increased pulse pressure was consistent (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.03–8.61).ConclusionsSpecific attention to proteinuria may be necessary in asymptomatic young women aged 20 to 39 years if they have metabolic syndrome or a wide pulse pressure.
Highlights
Obesity and metabolic syndrome play causative roles in the increasing prevalence of proteinuria in the general population
A repeat test was performed in 209 subjects; 97 showed persistent proteinuria, but 112 had no proteinuria in the second urinalysis (Figure 1)
We found that 1.0% of this population had persistent proteinuria, and metabolic syndrome as well as its components of hypertension, hyperglycemia, central obesity, low HDL levels, and high TG levels was closely related to the presence of proteinuria
Summary
Obesity and metabolic syndrome play causative roles in the increasing prevalence of proteinuria in the general population. We investigated the prevalence and risk factors for proteinuria in this population. Proteinuria is a common laboratory finding in the general population. It is transient and functional in most cases, persistent proteinuria may be an independent risk factor for adverse renal and cardiovascular outcomes [1,2,3,4]. Incidentally discovered proteinuria in young adults aged 20 to 39 years is often overlooked as benign proteinuria. Metabolic syndrome, which comprises central obesity, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure (BP), and impaired fasting glucose, is a known risk factor for proteinuria in the general population [6,7]. Most studies of the relationship between metabolic syndrome and proteinuria were conducted in subjects over 40 years of age [9,10], and comparatively little is known in younger population
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