Microalbuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are the major causes of renal damage and cardiovascular events. The co-existence of these conditions further increases the risk of progressive renal disease, cardiovascular events, and mortality. Urinary excretion of albumin, even in small amounts, and a lowered glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are early markers of such a tendency. The importance of screening for microalbuminuria, and a lowered GFR in hypertensive and diabetic patients, lies in the early detection of preclinical kidney disease, and identification of individuals at increased risk of progressive renal disease, cardiovascular events, and mortality. Intensive therapy, directed at the optimal control of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cardiovascular risk factors, as well as interventions aimed at decreasing albuminuria and slowing the progression of renal disease, have demonstrable beneficial effects.