Tehran University Medical Journal (Aug 2010)
Value of 8-hours urine protein measurement in determining proteinuria during pregnancy: evaluation of 50 patients
Abstract
"nBackground: Preeclampsia, a specific syndrome in pregnancy, may summits mortality or morbidity in mother and fetus. Diagnostic methods are based on 24 hours urine protein measures which may be tedious, thus it is desirable to apply a faster and more applicable method for this goal. In this study we evaluate measurement of 8-hours urine protein in order to estimate 24-hours urine protein measure. "n"nMethods: Fifty pregnant women were entered in a cross sectional study in Vali-e-asr hospital located in Tehran- Iran, during 2008-2009. A urine sample was given after 8-hours and urine volume as well as protein levels were calculated and compared with the same values of 24-hours urine measures. Other necessary data was obtained by history taking and physical examination as well as using patient's medical records. "n"nResults: Mean of age was 27.5±5.4 years and mean of gestational age was 30.5±4 weeks. Mean of urine protein in 8 and 24 hours urine protein were 79±119 and 532±1218 mg respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 8 hours urine protein were 61%, 98%, 88% and 90% respectively, in order to diagnosis of 24 hours urine protein to consider cut off point 105 mg for 8 hours urine protein. Mean protein levels were significantly higher in group with proteinuria ≥300 mg/24h in these two types of urine samples (p< 0.001). "n"nConclusion: Sensitivity of 8-hours urine protein is low but its specificity is suitable for normal mothers. We offer measuring of 8-hours urine protein as a valuable method for diagnosis of preeclampsia.
