Assessment of Microalbuminuria, Glycemic Status, Urea and Creatinine in Newly Diagnosed Hypertensive Individuals
Samson Ojedokun
Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria.
Abdulkareem Salawu *
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
Joel Akande
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
Adeola Awodoye
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Microalbuminuria (MAU) serves as a risk indicator for cardiovascular events as well as the onset of kidney disease. Elevated rates of urinary albumin excretion could indicate target organ damage, particularly renal disease, a process that may take time to manifest overtly in apparently healthy individuals with undiagnosed hypertension or diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to assess MAU, glycaemic status, urea and creatinine in newly diagnosed hypertensive individuals.
Methods: The study used a cross-sectional descriptive design involving 117 participants aged above 18 years who were newly diagnosed with hypertension and were drug-naïve. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain biodata. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, body mass index and percentage body fat. Blood specimens were collected for fasting plasma glucose, plasma urea and creatinine, while spot urine samples were collected for microalbumin analysis.
Results: The mean systolic blood pressure was 155.60 ± 18.00 mmHg, while the mean diastolic blood pressure was 93.40 ± 15.28 mmHg. The majority of participants were in Stage 2 hypertension [108 (92.3%)]. Obesity was observed in 22 (18.8%), hyperglycaemia in 11 (9.4%), high urea levels in 7 (6.0%), while 25 (21.4%) had high creatinine levels. MAU was positive in 23 (19.7%). In addition, 3 (2.6%) had haematuria, 7 (6.0%) had glucosuria and 21 (17.9%) had proteinuria. There was a statistically significant correlation between microalbuminuria and BMI (χ² = 4.241, p = 0.039), haematuria (χ² = 4.308, p = 0.038) and proteinuria (χ² = 104.601, p < 0.001). Microalbuminuria was significantly positively correlated with both creatinine (r = 0.445, p < 0.001) and urea (r = 0.455, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The presence of MAU was demonstrated in drug-naïve hypertensive individuals, with positive correlations with body mass index and markers of glomerular function.
Keywords: Microalbuminuria, hypertension, glycaemic status, fasting plasma glucose, urea, creatinine, renal function, proteinuria, haematuria, body mass index