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Prevalence and distribution of (micro)albuminuria in toddlers

Valentina Gracchi1, Sophie M van den Belt2, Leanne K Küpers3

  • 1Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation : Official Publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association
|December 26, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Microalbuminuria, a marker for kidney and heart risks, appears to be congenital, present from birth. Its prevalence in toddlers mirrors that in adults, suggesting early origins and potential lifelong cardiovascular risk.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Microalbuminuria affects approximately 7% of adults and is a significant indicator of renal and cardiovascular disease risks.
  • The origin of microalbuminuria, whether acquired during life or congenital, remains undetermined.
  • This study investigates the prevalence and potential congenital nature of microalbuminuria in young children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria in toddlers.
  • To compare albuminuria distribution in toddlers with that of the general adult population.
  • To explore associations between microalbuminuria and various antenatal, postnatal, and maternal factors.

Main Methods:

  • Urinary albumin concentration (UAC) and urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) were measured in 1352 children (20-40 months) from the GECKO cohort.
  • Albuminuria distribution was compared with data from 40,854 adults in the PREVEND study.
  • Linear regression analysis was used to identify associations between albuminuria and antenatal, postnatal, and maternal factors.

Main Results:

  • The median UAC and the prevalence of UAC ≥ 20 mg/L were comparable between toddlers (GECKO) and adults (PREVEND).
  • The prevalence of UACR ≥ 30 mg/g was 23.4% in toddlers.
  • Lower UAC and UACR were observed in boys; UACR was associated with age and gestational diabetes.

Conclusions:

  • The similar distribution of urinary albumin concentration and prevalence of elevated albuminuria in toddlers and adults suggests microalbuminuria may be a congenital condition.
  • Congenital microalbuminuria could predispose individuals to increased cardiovascular risk later in life.
  • Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications of early-life microalbuminuria.
Abstract

Keywords:
albuminuriacardiovascular riskchildrenepidemiologymicroalbuminuria

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