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)
Quantitative immunoassay based on a single 24-hour urine sample is preferable to semiquantitative tests for early detection of diabetic nephropathy in routine clinical practice.
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.