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Urinary microalbumin as a marker for intermittent claudication
M Matsushita1, N Nishikimi, T Sakurai
1First Department of Surgery, Nagoya University, School of Medicine, Japan.
Summary
Urinary microalbumin may not diagnose intermittent claudication but can monitor disease progression. Elevated levels after exercise correlate with longer recovery times and improve with treatment.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Nephrology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Intermittent claudication (IC) is a common symptom of peripheral artery disease.
- Early detection and monitoring of IC are crucial for effective management.
- Urinary microalbumin has been explored as a potential biomarker for vascular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of urinary microalbumin concentration as a marker for intermittent claudication.
- To assess the relationship between urinary microalbumin levels and exercise-induced symptoms in IC patients.
Main Methods:
- Collected pre- and post-exercise urine samples from 15 IC patients.
- Measured urinary microalbumin concentration using a latex agglutination system.
- Assessed ankle brachial pressure index (ABI) and ABI recovery time post-exercise.
Main Results:
- 47% of patients showed elevated urinary microalbumin post-exercise.
- Elevated microalbumin correlated with significantly longer ABI recovery times.
- Microalbumin levels decreased with reduced walking distance and after vascular bypass surgery.
Conclusions:
- Urinary microalbumin has limited diagnostic value for intermittent claudication.
- Elevated urinary microalbumin can serve as a valuable indicator for monitoring disease progression in IC patients.
- Changes in microalbumin levels may reflect treatment efficacy.