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[Microalbuminuria in rheumatoid arthritis]
H Nordin1, L M Pedersen, B H Svensson
1Reumatologisk afdeling, Kommunehospitalet, København.
Abstract:
To assess the prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its correlation with disease activity and drug treatment, we studied 65 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 51 sex and age matched control persons. Microalbuminuria was significantly increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (27.7%) as compared to 7.8% in the control group. Patients with microalbuminuria had a significantly greater median duration of disease (11.2 v 7.8 years; p < 0.001). We found a significant correlation to C-reactive protein as a marker for disease activity. Also, a significant association to treatment with gold and penicillamine was found. The measurement of microalbuminuria by immunochemical methods represents a simple and sensitive test to detect subclinical renal damage and may be a sensitive indicator of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We suggest its use in the monitoring of patients with rheumatoid arthritis to detect early subclinical renal dysfunction and drug induced renal damage.
Insights
Microalbuminuria, indicating early kidney damage, is significantly more common in rheumatoid arthritis patients. This condition correlates with disease duration, C-reactive protein levels, and certain drug treatments, suggesting its use in monitoring rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease with potential systemic complications.
- Subclinical renal damage can occur in RA patients, necessitating early detection methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- To investigate the correlation between microalbuminuria and RA disease activity and drug treatments.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 65 RA patients and 51 controls.
- Immunochemical methods were used to measure microalbuminuria.
- Correlation analysis with disease duration, C-reactive protein (CRP), and drug treatments.
Main Results:
- Microalbuminuria prevalence was 27.7% in RA patients versus 7.8% in controls (p < 0.001).
- Microalbuminuria correlated significantly with longer disease duration and higher C-reactive protein levels.
- An association was found between microalbuminuria and treatment with gold and penicillamine.
Conclusions:
- Microalbuminuria is a prevalent indicator of subclinical renal damage in RA patients.
- It serves as a sensitive marker for disease activity and may detect drug-induced renal damage.
- Routine monitoring of microalbuminuria is recommended for RA patients to detect early renal dysfunction.