Role of Spot Urine Protein-Creatinine Ratio in Monitoring Proteinuria during Pregnancy and Predicting Preeclampsia Outcomes

Proteinuria is a key diagnostic and prognostic marker in pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, particularly preeclampsia. Traditionally, the 24-hour urine protein estimation has been considered the gold standard, but its time-consuming and error-prone nature limits clinical utility. The spot urine protein?creatinine ratio (UPCR) has emerged as a reliable, rapid, and patient-friendly alternative. This review explores the role of UPCR in monitoring proteinuria during pregnancy, its diagnostic accuracy in preeclampsia, its predictive value for maternal and fetal outcomes, and the implications for clinical practice in both high-resource and resource-limited settings. Current evidence supports UPCR as a practical tool, though standardization of cut-off values and integration into guidelines remain challenges.