Among 276 patients, albumin excretion rate was normal in 66%, microalbuminuric in 27%, and macroproteinuric in 7%, with quantitative immunoassay deemed preferable to semiquantitative tests.
Cross-Sectional (n=276)
Albumin excretion rate measured by new immunoassays and semiquantitative tests is advocated as a means for early detection of diabetic nephropathy. We determined albumin excretion rate in 276 patients. Albumin excretion rate was normal in 66%, within the microalbuminuric range in 27%, and within the macroproteinuric range in 7%. Significant predictors of albumin excretion rate included presence of hypertension and glycosylated hemoglobin level in type I diabetes mellitus, and years since diagnosis in type II diabetes mellitus. A semiquantitative test was deemed to be of limited diagnostic value. We conclude that testing for early diabetic nephropathy in routine clinical practice gives valuable information and that determination by a quantitative immunoassay based on a single 24-hour urine sample is preferable. The optimal frequency of screening and the levels that determine progressive renal disease have yet to be established.
Malachi J. McKenna (1991) conducted a cross-sectional in Diabetes mellitus (n=276). Albumin excretion rate measurement was evaluated on Albumin excretion rate. Among 276 patients, albumin excretion rate was normal in 66%, microalbuminuric in 27%, and macroproteinuric in 7%, with quantitative immunoassay deemed preferable to semiquantitative tests.