Frequency of Microalbuminuria in Vascular End Point Events

Abstract

Introduction: Microalbuminuria (MA) is considered as an independent risk factor for stroke and various cardiovascular disorders. MA is modifiable with pharmacological intervention. Screening for MA may help in decreasing morbidity and mortality from stroke and Myocardial Infarction (MI) if early pharmacological intervention is instituted. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of microalbuminuria in patients with vascular end point events. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Settings: Medical Unit V, DHQ/ Civil Hospital, Faisalabad Pakistan. Duration: Six months, from 01-07-2018 to 31-12-2018. Methodology: 126 patients presenting in hospital with stroke, MI with or without hypertension and diabetes mellitus were evaluated for 24-hour urinary albumin excretion, after excluding patients with raised serum creatinine, urinary tract infection, congestive heart failure and menstruation. A urinary albumin level between 30 to 300 mg/24hour was defined as MA. Results: Total of 126 patients, 76 patients had stroke, 50 patients had MI. Out of 76 patients presenting with stroke, MA was detected in 31(40%) patients. Out of 50 patients with MI, MA was detected in 9 (18%) patients. 17 stroke patients with microalbuminuria (55%) were diabetics and 14 (45%) were non diabetics. 5 MI patients with microalbuminuria (55%) were diabetics while 4 (45%) were non-diabetics. Conclusion: As shown in the study, the high frequency of microalbuminuria was found in patients with stroke and MI. Microalbuminuria is an important modifiable risk factor along with other risk factors in identifying the patients who are having increased risk of developing vascular end point events i.e. stroke, MI.