Microalbuminuria in RA: Clinical & Biochemical correlates

Background: Microalbuminuria (MA) is associated with increased risk for renal & cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in diabetes mellitus, hypertension and patients with acute myocardial infarction but the significance of MA in RA and its correlation with clinical and biochemical parameters of disease activity is not well studied. The present study was therefore aimed to determine the presence of MA in RA patients and to correlate it with indicators of disease activity. Materials and methods: 100 confirmed cases of RA were taken. Those suffering from hypertension, diabetes mellitus and renal disease were excluded. Disease activity was assessed by CRP and ESR. Results: Out of 100 RA, 70 (70%) females; mean age of patients 43(17 ± 11.16 yrs). 28 (28%) cases had MA. Duration of morning stiffness was significantly longer in patients with MA. Out of 28 patients positive for MA, 12 patients had morning stiffness lasting >60 min. Mean ESR in MA positive patients was 87.93 ± 26.02 mm in 1st hour(P <0.001). Mean CRP in MA positive patients was 48.78 ± 16.06 mg/l Conclusion: RA patients having MA have have significant clinical and biochemical correlation with disease activity.