MICROALBUMINURIA IN NIDDM

OBJECTIVE - To determine an effective screening procedure for microalbuminuria. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - The prevalence of microalbuminuria in NIDDM patients whose urine was negative on routine Albustix testing was studied. Microalbuminuria was measured in overnight urine samples from 128 NIDDM patients on at least two of three occasions over a 6-mo period. Patients were tested with Micro-Bumintest or Micral-Test. RESULTS- Ten of 128 patients had albumin concentrations greater-than-or-equal-to 20 mg/L on two or more occasions, 14 patients had A-C ratios greater-than-or-equal-to 3 mg/M on two or more occasions, and 9 patients had both. CONCLUSIONS - Neither Micro-Bumintest nor Micral-Test is a useful or feasible screening procedure for microalbuminuria.