Awareness and behaviour of European physicians in relation to microalbuminuria and organ damage: an ESH-endorsed survey

INTRODUCTION: Measurement of microalbuminuria (MAU) is an important diagnostic tool in renal and vascular disease. This survey assessed the level of awareness of physicians in five European countries of the clinical value of MAU and its correlation with cardiovascular risk factors, disease progression and organ damage. METHODS: Participants of the survey were general practitioners, cardiologists and diabetologists from France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. The survey was performed via computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATIs) to ensure consistency and high quality. Participants were asked questions on MAU, its role as a risk factor, the assessment of related organ damage and measurement of these factors. RESULTS: Results are presented as percentage ranges between countries and specialities. The association of MAU with kidney damage is well recognized (93.8-99.4%); however, its relationship to damage in other organs was relatively poor. Renal function is usually assessed in at-risk patients in all countries surveyed. In only 33.9-42.5% of diabetic patients treated by a diabetologist MAU was measured. The rate and method of MAU assessment varies between countries, in terms of type of urine sample, frequency of tests and number of tests required to yield a positive result. CONCLUSION: Physicians have an incomplete understanding that MAU is not only a risk factor but also an important diagnostic tool for renal and cardiovascular damage. There are methodological inconsistencies in the way that MAU is currently assessed and standardization is required.