Microalbuminuria

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Microalbuminuria[edit | edit source]

Introduction[edit | edit source]

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]

Illustration of kidney structure and function.

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]

Microalbuminuria Resources
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