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[Microalbuminuria in rheumatoid arthritis]
H Nordin1, L M Pedersen, B H Svensson
1Reumatologisk afdeling, Kommunehospitalet, København.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|May 27, 1996
Summary
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.