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Assessment of Kidney Function in Mouse Models of Glomerular Disease
Published on: June 30, 2018
Microalbuminuria in adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
1Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
Two hundred ten adolescents aged 12 to 18 years with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus were screened for microalbuminuria (albumin excretion rate of 15 to 300 micrograms/min). Sixteen (7.6%) showed persistent microalbuminuria (mean albumin excretion rate of 70.9 +/- 56.2 micrograms/min). There were no significant differences between those with and without microalbuminuria with respect to age, sex, disease duration, and blood pressure over the previous 9 months and hemoglobin A1c level measured over the preceding 3 years. Within the group with microalbuminuria, there was no correlation between albumin excretion rate and blood pressure. However, there was a significant positive correlation between log albumin excretion rate and mean hemoglobin A1c values measured over the preceding 3 years. Our findings suggest that when microalbuminuria has developed, poorer metabolic control is associated with a higher albumin excretion rate. An actual rise in systemic blood pressure may not always precede the development of microalbuminuria.
Insights
Microalbuminuria in adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is linked to poorer metabolic control. Higher albumin excretion rates correlate with elevated hemoglobin A1c, not necessarily higher blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Microalbuminuria is an early indicator of diabetic nephropathy.
- Adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are at risk for kidney complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of microalbuminuria in adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
- To identify factors associated with microalbuminuria in this population.
Main Methods:
- Screened 210 adolescents (aged 12-18) with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus for microalbuminuria.
- Assessed albumin excretion rate, blood pressure, disease duration, and hemoglobin A1c levels.
Main Results:
- 16% of adolescents exhibited persistent microalbuminuria.
- No significant differences in age, sex, disease duration, or recent blood pressure were found between groups.
- A positive correlation was observed between log albumin excretion rate and mean hemoglobin A1c over 3 years.
Conclusions:
- Poorer metabolic control (higher HbA1c) is associated with increased albumin excretion rate in adolescents with diabetes.
- Elevated systemic blood pressure may not consistently precede the development of microalbuminuria.
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