Prevalence Of Microalbuminuria In Patients Research Articles

Prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus having diabetic retinopathy in a tertiary care hospital in eastern India: A cross-sectional study

Diabetic retinopathy is a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and one of the leading causes of acquired blindness. Microalbuminuria reflects a pathophysiological state of vascular dysfunction and organ damage. It is noticed that a rise in urinary albumin excretion is seen in the early phase of diabetic retinopathy. The concordance of microalbuminuria and diabetic retinopathy has been well reported in type 1 diabetes; however, for type 2 diabetes, there is a paucity of data. To estimate the prevalence of microalbuminuria in diabetic retinopathy patients with type 2 diabetes attending the out-patient department (OPD) in a tertiary care center in eastern India and also to find out any association between microalbuminuria and severity of diabetic retinopathy. : The study included 200 patients with type 2 diabetic patients having diabetic retinopathy. The study populations were selected by thorough clinical examination and as per inclusion–exclusion criteria. Estimation of urinary albumin and albumin creatinine ratio was done by using Konelab 20 Autoanalyzer machine by the immunoturbidimetry method. Diabetic retinopathy was classified as per the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scales into mild, moderate, severe, very severe non-proliferative as well as proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Data were analyzed with ratio, rate, percentage, and statistical significance was considered if p<0.5. : The prevalence of microalbuminuria was found in 36% (72 patients). The highest number of patients (88.24%) with microalbuminuria was found in severe NPDR. 93.06% of patients with microalbuminuria had clinically significant macular edema. A statistically significant correlation (p<0.001) was found between microalbuminuria and the degree of retinopathy in mild, moderate, and severe NPDR. A significant correlation was found between urinary microalbumin and the severity of diabetic retinopathy.

The Prevalence of Microalbuminuria in Patients with Hypertension and Acute Ischemic Stroke

Objective: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of microalbuminuria in hypertensive individuals who had recently suffered from an acute ischemic stroke. Study Design: Cross-sectional study Place and Duration: Department of Physiology, Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan in the duration from July, 2022 to December, 2022. Methods: This study comprised 148 hypertension individuals of either sex who had suffered an ischemic stroke. Participants' full demographic information, including age, sex, BMI, and comorbidities, was recorded after obtaining informed written consent. Microalbuminuria was detected in a urine sample collected over the course of 24 hours using the Pyrogallol Red assay. Microalbuminuria was defined as a daily urinary albumin content of 30-300 mg. Association of Microalbuminuria was determined among all cases. SPSS 22.0 was used to analyze all data. Results: Among 148 cases, 87 (58.8%) were males and 61 (41.2%) were females. Patients mean age was 57.6±14.82 years and had mean BMI 25.9±7.48 kg/m2. Mean duration of HTN was 3.19±5.28 years. History of ischemic stroke was found in 14 (9.5%) cases, and family history of myocardial infarction found in 23 (15.5%) cases. Comorbidities were DM, CAD, Congestive heart failure, Atrial fibrillation and peripheral artery disease. We found Microalbuminuria in 68 (45.9%) cases. In 68 cases of microalbuminuria 38 cases had age >50 years, 19 cases were aged between 36-50 years and 11 cases were aged between 18-35 years. Conclusion: The high prevalence of microalbuminuria in hypertension patients with acute ischemic stroke led us to the conclusion that this marker can be used to reliably identify hypertensive individuals at high risk for ischemic stroke at a low cost. Keywords: Hypertension, Albuminuria, Ischemic stroke, Diabetes mellitus

Prevalence of Microalbuminuria among Diabetic Patients Attending Federal Medical Centre Gusau, Nigeria

Microalbuminuria is persistent albumin excretion between 30 and 300 mg/day. In patients with diabetes, it is usually indicative of diabetic nephropathy which is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease; it is also associated with cardiovascular disease. The main objective was to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria and its association with glycemic control, blood pressure, and duration of diabetes in type-1 and type-2 diabetic patients attending Federal Medical Center Gusau, Nigeria. This study evaluated the level of microalbuminuria among 150 diabetic patients and 50 control subjects. The urinary albumin concentration was measured by immunoturbidimetric assay. From both the control and diabetic subjects, fasting blood sugar was estimated and blood pressure was measured with an automated manometer. Prevalence of microalbuminuria (MAL) according to demographic, the incidence of variables was detected in 12 males 28 females, and < 40 years of age 10 and > 40 years of age 31. The Mean of Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) was slightly higher in patients with Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) when compared to IDDM patients. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference between males and females, within the group regarding age, blood pressure, and glycemic status. However, there is a statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in FBG and MAL between the patients and the control. The results suggest that there is a high prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients attending Federal Medical Center Gusau which is an independent risk factor for renal and cardiovascular diseases.

Do not forget the kidney in graves' disease.

To investigate the prevalence of microalbuminuria and factors associated with microalbuminuria in Graves' Disease (GD). This cross-sectional and single-center study included 99 patients with GD and 47 healthy controls (HC). Exclusion criteria such as active infection, uncontrolled diabetes, and chronic kidney disease were applied to the participants. The participants' clinical findings, comorbidities, drug use, laboratory tests, and thyroid antibody levels were recorded. Spot urine samples were collected and stored at -80℃ to analyze the presence of microalbuminuria. The prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with GD was 12.1%. The median microalbumin/creatinine ratio in spot urine (UACR) in patients with GD (9.49mg/g [5.09-18.10]) was higher than in the HC group (7.99mg/g [3.48-12.88], p = 0.033). UACR was correlated with thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels (p = 0.020, p = 0.006, p = 0.009 respectively). In the regression analysis, only the relationship between TRAb level and UACR remained (p = 0.040). This study demonstrates an increased prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with GD. There was a significant correlation between microalbuminuria and TRAb level in patients with GD. This relationship suggests that one of the underlying mechanisms of microalbuminuria seen in patients with GD may be autoimmunity.

Prevalence of Microalbuminuria in Patients of Essential Hypertension and its Correlation with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Carotid Artery Intima‑media Thickness

Background Urinary albumin excretion has been associated to cardiovascular events and increased mortality in hypertensive patients. There is limited information among Nepalese patients about the implications of microalbuminuria (MA) in the setting of hypertension and potential cardiovascular morbidity.
 Objective To investigate the prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with essential hypertension and its connection with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT).
 Method The study involved 80 hypertension individuals in total. All patients in the study had basic biochemical tests, routine urine evaluations, echocardiography, and carotid artery intima-media thickness measurements performed, and the data were analyzed.
 Result The prevalence of microalbuminuria was present in 37.5% cases of essential hypertension. The mean left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was significantly higher in patients with increased microalbuminuria as compared to patient with normal microalbuminuria. In addition, a significant positive correlation between microalbuminuria and left ventricular hypertrophy was also observed. Furthermore, mean carotid artery intima-media thickness was found to be higher in patients with microalbuminuria (p < 0.001), with 76.7% of the patients with microalbuminuria having elevated mean carotid artery intima-media thickness. The carotid artery intima-media thickness had a positive correlation with both microalbuminuria and left ventricular hypertrophy.
 Conclusion Microalbuminuria assessment in hypertensive patients is an important test for the evaluation of target organ damage. This study shows that microalbuminuria is common in hypertension patients, particularly those with left ventricular hypertrophy. Microalbuminuria was found to be associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and carotid artery intima-media thickness.

Evaluation of Microalbuminuria in Patients with Urinary Tract Infection

Background: Urinary tract infection is a collective term for infections that involve any part of the urinary tract. It is one of the most common infections in local primary care. There are wide range of factors identified that can increase susceptibility to UTI, like sexual intercourse, congenital abnormalities, urinary obstruction, prior history of UTI, diabetes, urogenital surgery, estrogen deficiency. Diabetes mellitus has been a significant risk factor for complicated UTI. Presence of microalbumin in urine in patients of urinary tract infection may be a predictor of intrinsic renal pathology and its presence is a predictor of ongoing progressive damage to kidneys. Microalbuminuria is also associated with cardiovascular events and diabetic nephropathy. Early diagnosis of microalbuminuria will decrease the incidence of end stage renal disease and cardiovascular events. The present study was thus conducted to evaluate prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients diagnosed with urinary tract infections.Material & Methods:The present hospital based case control study was conducted on 60 patients visiting the outpatient clinic (OPD) of Department of Urology, Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala and diagnosed with UTI and the control group consisted of 20 age and gender matched individuals. Estimation of urine microalbumin was done by Enyme linked immunoassay(ELISA) kit method in Department of Biochemistry, GMC Patiala.Results:Out of 60 cases of UTI included in the present study, prevalence of microalbuminuria was observed in 43.3% among cases of UTI . A total of 85% of the cases with positive urine culture had microalbuminuria (p<0.01).Conclusions:Microalbuminuria and ACR can be recommended for predicting ESRD at an early stage of kidney disease.

Microalbuminuria in essential hypertension: A single centre study

To evaluate the prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with essential hypertension and its relationship to severity of hypertension, to renal function and its association with coronary artery disease and target organ damage, present study was conducted. Total 100 primary hypertensive, non diabetic patients and 25 healthy normotensive, non diabetic patients (controls) admitted in S.S.G.H (Sir Sayajirao General Hospital) from June 2009 to November 2011. Patient's complete history, routine investigation along with microalbuminuria was measured by ACR by immunoturbidimetric method. In present study patient’s mean age was 52.7 years. Total 70% of patients selected for study were males and 30% were females. Total 50% to 75% of patients in the 61 -80 year age group were positive for microalbuminuria. Total 42.85% of males were positive for microalbuminuria as compared to 33.33% of females. Total 75% of patients having hypertension for more than 8 years had microalbuminuria. Total 67.5% of patients positive for microalbuminuria had associated target organ damage. Total 45% of patients positive for microalbuminuria had left ventricular hypertrophy and 40% of patients had hypertensive retinopathy. Microalbuminuria helps to identify incipient nephropathy and vascular changes. Its detection can thus help to prevent the development of complications by aggressive treatment to get down targeting blood pressure.

Microalbuminuria as a predictor of cardiovascular morbidity in essential hypertensive patients: research study done at tertiary care centre in Western India

Background:Small amount of albumin excretion in urine, termed as microalbuminuria, has been postulated to be an indicator of endothelial dysfunction. This study was done to find the prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with essential hypertension and to study the association of microalbuminuria with cardiovascular morbidity.Methods:This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at the Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College and SSG Hospital, Baroda; by selecting 60 first time detected essential hypertensive patients, without any significant past or treatment history, attending Medicine outpatient department (OPD) or admitted in different wards at SSG hospital, for various reasons. A detailed history, clinical examination, basic blood investigation, urine albumin to creatinine ratio, electrocardiography (ECG) and 2D echo were done in all patients.Results:In this study, microalbuminuria was found in 24 (40%) cases with prevalence increasing with increasing age. A higher serum cholesterol, serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesterol/high density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio; left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), ST-T changes and bundle branch block on ECG; LVH, hypokinesia and diastolic dysfunction on 2D echo; retinopathy on D fundus examination were all associated with higher microalbumin excretion in urine. Microalbuminuria was independent of age, sex, addiction to smoking, alcohol, BMI and severity/stage of hypertension. Thus, irrespective of existing known cardiovascular risk factors, microalbuminuria was associated with signs of cardiovascular morbidity.Conclusions:As a predictor of systemic vascular dysfunction, microalbuminuria can be used to stratify and prognosticate hypertensive patients at a higher risk of developing further vascular complications and they can be screened early for same.

STUDY OF MICROALBUMINURIA IN PATIENTS WITH NORMOGLYCEMIC HYPERTENSION

INTRODUCTION:Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The incidence of microalbuminuria is more common among hypertensive patients, even in nondiabetic patients. Microalbuminuria is an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with essential hypertension. Therefore, current guidelines recommend routine screening of microalbuminuria in hypertensive patients to ensure appropriate interventions are initiated early in the disease process before progression to chronic kidney disease and/or renal failure. AIMS & OBJECTIVES:This study is done to estimate the prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with normoglycemic hypertension and to identify other variables associated with it. MATERIAL & METHODS:In this study, we randomly selected 100 patients with essential hypertension based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. CBC, renal function test, 24-hour urine albumin excretion (UAE), Body mass index (BMI), and arterial blood pressure measurement were done among all selected patients. Data entry was done in Microsoft Ofce Excel and analysis was done using the software package Epi Info (Version 7.1.5) from CDC, Atlanta, U.S.A. OBSERVATIONS & RESULTS: The study was conducted among 100 hypertensive patients out of which 74 were male and 24 were female. Out of 100 patients, microalbuminuria was present in 44 patients. Mean arterial pressure was found high among patients with microalbuminuria than patients without microalbuminuria. The presence of microalbumin in urine was found to increase with the increasing severity of hypertension. Mean body mass index and serum creatinine were found higher in the microalbuminuric group than the normoalbuminuric group. CONCLUSION:The incidence of microalbuminuria is more common among hypertensive patients, even in nondiabetic patients. The presence of microalbuminuria is an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with essential hypertension. Screening for microalbuminuria is a relatively simple process, should facilitate early vascular disease detection.

A study to assess the correlation between HbA1c and microalbuminuria among diabetics

Background: India is one of the epicentres of the global diabetes mellitus pandemic. Rapid socioeconomic development and demographic changes, along with increased susceptibility for Indian individuals, have led to the explosive increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in India over the past four decades. Diabetic Nephropathy is a common consequence of long-standing diabetes mellitus. The development of diabetic nephropathy has a dramatic increase on the morbidity and mortality of patients with diabetes. Objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with diabetes mellitus patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on T 2 diabetes mellitus patients visiting medicine OPD of R L Jalappa hospital constituent hospital of Sri Deveraj Urs Medical College, Tamaka, Kolar from May 2016 to July 2016. A total of 60 type-2 diabetes patients were enrolled in the study.Results: Average duration of diabetes among study group was 8 years and most of the patients were between 6-10 years. In type 2DM patients, microalbuminuria and glycemic control have shown a significant linear correlation with duration of diabetes (p<0.05). Also, micro albuminuria has a significant correlation with increase in level of glycosylated haemoglobin. Conclusions: The prevalence of microalbuminuria in diabetic patients was found to be high and being a developing country; there is a dire need that microalbuminuria and HbA1c testing should be done in both, newly diagnosed as well as already diagnosed type 2DM patients as an early marker of renal risk factor.

A retrospective study of microalbuminuria in patients of diabetes and hypertension

A retrospective study of microalbuminuria in patients of diabetes and hypertension - IJPO- Print ISSN No: - 2394-6784 Online ISSN No:- 2394-6792 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/2394-6792.2018.0089, Indian Journal of Pathology and Oncology-Indian J Pathol Oncol

Long-term impact of spironolactone compliance on microalbuminuria in patients with primary aldosteronism.

Patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) have a high prevalence of microalbuminuria (MAU), which leads to more severe systemic vascular damage. However, the primary recommended drug treatment for PA, spironolactone (SPL), has had poor patient compliance owing to its adverse effects, and the effect of SPL compliance on MAU has not been fully evaluated in patients with PA. We analyzed the effect of SPL compliance on endothelial dysfunction by assessing MAU in patients with PA. The study included 145 confirmed PA patients who received long-term medical treatment (mean, 5 years). As expected, compliance with SPL treatment improved patients' blood pressure and serum potassium levels. Patients with PA who complied fully with SPL treatment had a lower rate of MAU than noncompliant patients (13.73% versus 34.88%, respectively; P = 0.004). Multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusted for age and sex showed that continuous SPL treatment was associated with a lower presence of MAU (odds ratio, 0.319; 95% confidence interval, 0.135-0.750; P = 0.009). This association remained significant after further adjusting for other major risk factors. However, in the subgroup analysis, the protective effect against MAU was limited in compliant patients treated with ≥40 mg/day SPL compared with noncompliant patients (9.62% versus 34.88%, respectively; P < 0.05). Our findings demonstrated that in addition to improving high blood pressure and hypokalemia, full compliance with the appropriate dose of SPL may benefit endothelial function, as reflected by a lower prevalence of MAU in patients with PA.

A study of prevalence of microalbuminuria in recently detected type 2 diabetes and its relation to hypertension, dyslipidaemia and obesity

Background: Microalbuminuria is one of the earliest markers of diabetic nephropathy, and if not recognized and treated early it may lead to diabetic nephropathy resulting in chronic renal failure.&#x0D; Aims and Objective: The aim of the current study was to find out the prevalence of microalbuminuria among newly detected Type 2 diabetic patients and also compare prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with or without hypertension, dyslipidaemia and obesity.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we analysed 90 patients with new onset type 2 diabetes mellitus. We divided the patients into two groups, group 1 with comorbidities like hypertension, dyslipidaemia and obesity (50 patients) and group 2 without comorbidities (40 patients). We analysed urinary microalbumin level in all patients and compared the prevalence of microalbuminuria between group 1 and group 2.&#x0D; Results: In our cohort of 90 patients, urinary microalbuminuria was found in 30 patients (33.3%). When we divided these nephropathy patients to group1 and group 2, we observed that group 1 with comorbidities had higher percentage of nephropathy patients i.e 24 out of 50(48%). Group 2 with 40 patients had only 6 patients with microalbiminuria ie 6 out of 40(15%). Incidence of microalbiminuria was higher in patients with hypertension, dyslipidaemia and obesity.&#x0D; Conclusions: We conclude that incidence of microalbiminuria is much more common in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. We also conclude that hypertension, obesity and hypercholesterolemia are risk factors for nephropathy and urinary microalbuminuria appears to be much more sensitive than serum creatinine as screening tool to detect diabetic nephropathy.

Prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with essential hypertension- A clinical study

Background: The present study was conducted to record prevalence of Microalbuminuria in patients with essential hypertension. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 102 patients of diagnosed essential hypertension of both genders. Microalbuminuria was measured in all patients in a 24h urinary sample. Results: Out of 102 patients, males were 62 and females were 40. Out of 102 patients, microalbuminuria was present in 40 patients. Maximum cases were seen in age group >70 years (20) followed by 6-70 years (14), 50-60 years (4) and 40-50 years (2). Conclusion: Authors found the presence of microalbuminuria in a significant number of newly detected and untreated patients of essential hypertension.

Microalbuminuria and Traditional Serum Biomarkers of Nephropathy among Diabetic Patients at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in South Western Uganda.

Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common finding in diabetic patients. Microalbuminuria is the earliest clinical evidence of DN. Early detection of microalbuminuria is very important; it allows timely interventions to prevent progression to macroalbuminuria and later end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Objectives To determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria in diabetic patients and establish its association with traditional serum renal markers in assessment of incipient nephropathy. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 140 participants with diabetes mellitus (DM) attending the diabetic clinic of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. Questionnaires were used to obtain participant data after obtaining written informed consent. Data collected included: age, sex, level of education, history of smoking and alcohol consumption, hypertension, body mass index, family history, and duration of DM. Morning spot urine samples were collected from each participant and blood drawn for analysis of other renal markers. Urine microalbumin was determined quantitatively using immunoturbidity assay (Microalbumin kit, Mindray). Serum creatinine and uric acid and glucose levels were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Results The overall prevalence of microalbuminuria was 22.9%. Using a simple and multiple linear regression model, serum creatinine (β = 0.010, 95% CI (0.005, 0.014), P = 0.0001) and glucose (β = 0.030, 95% CI (0.011, 0.048), P = 0.0017) levels were significantly associated with microalbuminuria. After adjusting for linearity, family history of DM was the only predictor of microalbuminuria (β = 0.275, 95% CI (0.043, 0.508), P = 0.002). Although microalbuminuria was weakly associated with eGFR (OR = 1.2, 95% CI (0.24, 5.96)), the relationship was not statistically significant (P = 0.824). Conclusion The prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with diabetes in this study was high. The study suggests the need to screen for microalbuminuria early to reduce the possible burden of ESRD. When serum creatinine is used as a renal function marker among diabetic patients, it should be combined with microalbuminuria for better assessment of incipient nephropathy.

Prevalence and risk factors of microalbuminuria in patients with lacunar infarction

ABSTRACTObjectives: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors for microalbuminuria in patients with lacunar infarction.Methods: 702 lacunar infarction patients and 234 controls were recruited in this study, the concentration of urinary albumin and clinical characteristics were collected for each participant. We analyzed the prevalence of microalbuminuria in lacunar infarction patients, as well as the risk factors of microalbuminuria in patients with lacunar infarction.Results: The prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with lacunar infarction was 32.8%, which was significantly higher than that in controls (9.8%, P＜0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that age, alcohol abuse, fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, and triglyceride were positively associated with albumin/creatinine ratio levels. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.067, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.029 to 1.105), alcohol abuse (OR = 3.001, 95% CI = 1.668 to 5.398), fasting blood glucose (OR = 2.014, 95% CI = 1.794 to 2.260), and systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.033, 95% CI = 1.010 to 1.056) were the independent risk factors for microalbuminuria in acute lacunar infarction patients, with high sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for age, systolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose were 0.618 (cutoff value, 63.5 years; sensitivity, 54.8%; and specificity, 62.9%), 0.736 (cutoff level, 149.5 mmHg; sensitivity, 78.3%; and specificity, 61.2%) and 0.893 (cutoff value, 7 mmol/L; sensitivity, 92.2%; and specificity, 86%), respectively.Conclusion: Lacunar infarction was associated with higher microalbuminuria prevalence. Age, alcohol abuse, fasting blood glucose, and systolic blood pressure were individually significant and correlated factors of microalbuminuria in patients with lacunar infarction. More attention should be provided to this group of patients.

Study of correlation of presence of microalbuminuria to target organ damage in essential hypertension cases

Background: Critical amount of urinary albumin excretion has long been reported to be one strong predictor of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients. Very few studies have been conducted till now depicting correlation of microalbuminuria and target organ damage in patients with essential hypertension, except cardiovascular events. We evaluated the prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with essential hypertension and its relationship with target organ damage.Methods: Total 120 patients of essential hypertension were studied. Prevalence of urinary albumin excretion and its correlation to target organ damage (left ventricular hypertrophy, retinopathy and stroke) was analysed. Urinary albumin excretion was assessed by turbidimetry method and microalbuminuria was assessed by urine albumin to creatinine ratio.Results: Microalbuminuria was found to be present in 57.7% patients. Target organ damage was observed in 62.5% (75) patients, out of which 78.66% patients had associated microalbuminuria (p &lt;0.05). Amongst them, higher prevalence was observed in patients with longer duration and greater severity of hypertension, increased body mass index and dyslipidemia.Conclusions: Microalbuminuria assessment in hypertensive patients is an important test for the evaluation of target organ damage. Optimal management of hypertension, weight control, and maintenance of normal lipid levels leads to decreased risk of microalbuminuria.

Association between microalbuminuria and metabolic syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

ContextRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune, symmetrical polyarticular disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the synovial joints. Microalbuminuria (MA) occurs as leakage of small amounts of albumin into the urine. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) describes the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.AimThe aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of MA in patients with RA and study its correlation with disease activity and severity. Our aim extends to identify the association of MA with MetS in RA.Patients and methodsThis study was carried out on 30 adult RA patients, 30% of them were men and 70% were women (mean±SD: 42.27±10.99 years). Their mean disease duration was 12.8±7.06 years. A total of 20 apparently healthy adults, age-matched and sex-matched served as a control group. All the patients were subjected to full history taking, full clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and assessment of disease activity using the disease activity score for 28joints score. Urinary microalbumin level was measured in all participants in early morning samples by the immunoturbidometry method. MetS was assessed in all participants according to Grundy’s criteria.ResultsThe frequency of MetS was highly statistically significant in patients with RA compared with the control group. The RA patients’ group had highly significantly elevated mean values of urinary microalbumin and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio compared with the control group.ConclusionMA and MetS are frequent in RA, particularly in those with long-standing disease. Early detection of albuminuria allows early intervention with the goal of reducing inflammation development in RA, cardiovascular risk. MetS is frequent in RA patients with MA.

Prevalence of Microalbuminuria in Adult Patients with Sickle Cell Disease in Eastern Saudi Arabia.

Background Proteinuria is a common feature of sickle cell nephropathy (SCN) that can progress to renal insufficiency and end stage renal disease. Microalbuminuria (MA) is the earliest manifestation of SCN and precedes the development of overt proteinuria. In addition to the renal consequences, MA is linked to cardiovascular complications. Periodic screening and early detection of MA allow early intervention that may reduce the risk of progression to advanced renal failure and cardiovascular diseases. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MA in patients with SCD in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Methods A prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH). Urine samples of SCD patients 18 years old and older were tested for the presence of MA using urinary albumin over creatinine ratio (ACR). Correlation was tested with multiple variables including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin level, blood pressure, blood transfusion history, pain episodes, and use of hydroxyurea. Results Urine samples were tested on 72 patients. The mean age of the study cohort was 35 ± 16.9 years. Microalbuminuria was detected in 18 patients (25%). No correlation was found with any of the tested variables. Conclusion Microalbuminuria is a common finding in patients with SCD in eastern Saudi Arabia. Patients with SCD should be screened for MA, and those with positive tests should probably be treated with antiproteinuric agents that may slow the progression to advanced stages of renal failure and decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Study of the Prevalence of Microalbuminuria in Patients of Essential Hypertension and its Correlation with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Carotid Artery Intima-media Thickness

Background: Limited evidence is available among Indian patients regarding significance of microalbuminuria (MA) in context of hypertension and future cardiovascular morbidity. Therefore, the current study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of MA in hypertensive patients and to examine its correlation with severity of hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and common carotid intima-media thickness (CCIMT). Material and Methods: Fifty treatment-naive hypertensive patients (16–80 years of age) were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent basic metabolic profile, urine evaluation, echocardiography, and measurement of CCIMT, and the data were evaluated. Results: MA (defined as urinary albumin excretion in the range of 30–300 mg/24 h) was present in 44% of patients with newly detected essential hypertension. A significant number of patients with MA had abnormally high mean left ventricular mass index as compared to those without MA. In addition, a positive correlation was also observed between MA and LVH. Furthermore, mean CCIMT was found to be higher in patients with MA (P