Frequency of Microalbuminuria in Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

Objective: To investigate the frequency of microalbuminuria and associated risk factors across the stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 patients aged 16-85 who applied to the Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic between November 2009 and February 2010. Demographic data and blood pressure were recorded. Biochemical parameters, along with 24-hour urinary protein and albumin excretion, were measured. CKD staging was performed according to GFR calculated using the MDRD formula.Results: Of the patients, 64% were female. The most common etiology was undetermined (58%). Among identified causes, diabetes mellitus and hypertension were primary. As the CKD stage progressed, proteinuria and albuminuria levels increased significantly (p<0.001). The frequency of microalbuminuria was 23.1% in Stage 1 and reached 80% in Stage 5. Significant associations were found between CKD stages and blood pressure, urea, creatinine, potassium, calcium, hemoglobin, and CRP levels (p<0.05). Proteinuria and albuminuria showed a negative correlation with GFR and a positive correlation with CRP (p<0.001).Conclusion: Microalbuminuria appears from the early stages of CKD, and its frequency increases as the disease progresses. Hypertension and inflammation (elevated CRP) are independent risk factors associated with microalbuminuria. Screening CKD patients for microalbuminuria from the early stages is crucial for slowing disease progression.