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The effect of age on the prevalence of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria
Abstract:
The medical files of a sample of men who had been followed by annual examinations from 1968 through 1978 were selected, using a random number sequence from the records of the Israel Air Force. One group of 430 men, ages 21-23 at entry, and a second group of 264 men, ages 25-28 at entry, were studied. The results of the urinalysis at entry and after ten years of follow-up were recorded. The point prevalence of all degrees of microhematuria increased significantly with age in both groups. One to three or more red blood cells (RBCs) per high-power field (HPF) were found in 3.5% of the subjects ages 21-23 at entry and in 14.2% in the same subjects ten years later (P = 0.001). Similarly, one to three or more RBCs per HPF were found in 4.9% of men ages 25-28 at entry and in 11.7% of the same subjects ten years later (P = 0.001). The authors conclude that age needs to be taken into consideration in drawing the line between physiologic and pathologic microhematuria.
Insights
Microhematuria, the presence of red blood cells (RBCs) in urine, significantly increases with age. This study highlights the need to consider age when differentiating between normal and abnormal microhematuria.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Nephrology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Microhematuria is a common finding in urinalysis.
- Its clinical significance can vary, and age is a potential factor influencing its prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal changes in microhematuria prevalence in young adult males.
- To determine the impact of aging on the occurrence of microhematuria over a ten-year period.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 21-23 and 25-28 year old men from the Israel Air Force were studied.
- Urinalysis results were recorded at entry (1968-1978) and after ten years.
- Prevalence of microhematuria (1-3+ RBCs/HPF) was analyzed based on age groups.
Main Results:
- Microhematuria prevalence increased significantly with age in both study groups.
- In the younger group (21-23), prevalence rose from 3.5% to 14.2% (P=0.001).
- In the older group (25-28), prevalence increased from 4.9% to 11.7% (P=0.001).
Conclusions:
- Age is a critical factor in the interpretation of microhematuria.
- The observed increase suggests a physiological change with aging rather than solely pathological processes.
- Establishing age-specific reference ranges for microhematuria may be warranted.