Does Microalbuminuria has Positive Predictive Value in Patients With Essential Hypertension for Renovascular Hypertension?

Abstract

Background: Renovascular disease is an important correctable cause of secondary hypertension. We aimed to research whether microalbuminuria might be an indicator for renovascular hypertension among the essential hypertensive patients. Method: 330 essential hypertensive patients were enrolled to the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (microalbuminuria) and group 2 (normoalbuminuria). Urine albumin concentrations were measured by nepholometry after 24-hour urine collection. All subjects were examined by renal duplex doppler ultrasonography and who had renal artery stenosis then MR angiography was performed. Results: Microalbuminuria was detected in 107 of 330 essential hypertensive patients (32.42%). Mean CrCl levels (108,14±19,83 vs 116,36±18,62, p=0,002) were significantly lower in the group of patients with microalbuminuria. 3/107 (2.80%) of the patients had renal artery stenosis in the group of patients with microalbuminuria and 8/223 (3.58%) of the patients had renal artery stenosis in the group of patients with normoalbuminuria. This study showed a sensitivity of 2.8%, specificity 96.41%, positive predictive value 27.27%, negative predictive value 67.40%. Conclusion: We suggest that microalbuminuria isn’t an indicator for renovascular hypertension in patients with essential hypertension.