Microalbuminuria
(Redirected from Albumin/creatinine ratio)
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| Microalbuminuria | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Elevated levels of albumin in urine |
| Complications | Chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | |
| Causes | Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, glomerulonephritis |
| Risks | Diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity |
| Diagnosis | Urine test for albumin |
| Differential diagnosis | Proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome |
| Prevention | Blood pressure control, glycemic control |
| Treatment | ACE inhibitors, ARBs, lifestyle changes |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | |
| Frequency | Common in patients with diabetes or hypertension |
| Deaths | |
Microalbuminuria is a medical condition characterized by the excretion of small amounts (micro-level) of albumin into the urine, often indicating early kidney disease or damage.
Definition and Significance[edit | edit source]
Microalbuminuria is defined as the presence of 30-300 mg of albumin per gram of creatinine in the urine. It is an important early sign of kidney damage, especially in the context of diabetes and hypertension.
Causes[edit | edit source]
The primary causes of microalbuminuria include:
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Inflammation of the kidney (glomerulonephritis)
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
Under normal conditions, the kidneys filter waste while retaining essential proteins like albumin. Microalbuminuria occurs when the kidneys' filtering system is damaged, allowing albumin to leak into the urine.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis involves urine tests, such as:
- A spot urine test for albumin-to-creatinine ratio
- A 24-hour urine test for precise albumin measurement
Clinical Importance[edit | edit source]
Microalbuminuria is a marker for increased risk of:
- Progressive kidney disease
- Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, particularly in diabetic and hypertensive patients
Management and Treatment[edit | edit source]
Management focuses on:
- Treating the underlying cause (e.g., controlling diabetes and hypertension)
- Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise)
- Medications like ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
Early detection and management of microalbuminuria can slow the progression of kidney disease and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
Microalbuminuria is common in individuals with diabetes and hypertension, but can also occur in other conditions and even in some healthy individuals.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen, Prab R. Tumpati, MD
