Prevalence and determinants of microalbuminuria in the general population : Results from a cross-sectional, observational study from rural Karnataka

Abstract

Background: Microalbuminuria is a marker of cardiovascular diseases and an early event, is a sign of many kidney diseases. This study investigated the prevalence of microalbuminuria in the general population and its determinants. Methods: In this cross-sectional, observational study conducted in the villages near Shivamogga, Karnataka state in South India, 1931 adult subjects were examined for urinary albumin excretion by dipsticks. In those testing positive, the test was repeated for microalbuminuria(MA) and albumin creatinine ratio(ACR) by dipstick. The subjects satisfying conditions of MA in both analyses were considered for further analysis for its determinants. Results: 1931 adults (males 45.8%, mean age 39.7+/- 15.1 years) were studied. Analysis for MA was positive in the first instance in 12.06%. The prevalence of MA confirmed by repeat testing was 2.5%. On univariate analysis, there was significant association with age,diabetes, hypertension, smoking, alcohol, smokeless tobacco and estimated Glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) <60 ml/min/sq m. MA was associated closely with eGFR with the number of positive results increasing with fall in eGFR. The prevalence of MA was high in diabetics and hypertensives. However, 44.8% subjects with MA were non diabetics and non hypertensives. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of MA in the general population. There is also a significant prevalence of MA in the non- diabetic, non- hypertensive people. Repeat testing for microalbuminuria is desirable to avoid false positive results.

Keywords

• microalbuminuria
• epidemiologic study
• rural population
• india
• karnataka
• cross-sectional study