Clinical Applications of Microalbuminuria

Abstract

Microalbuminuria is a marker for generalized vascular dysfunction. Persistent microalbuminuria indicates a high probability of damage to the glomerular filtration capacity of the kidney and is of great diagnostic relevance. Albuminuria has also been shown more recently to be a predictor of cardiovascular outcomes. Emerging data that reduces albuminuria leads to reduced risk of adverse renal and cardiovascular events, and steps should be taken to suppress albuminuria to prevent future renal and cardiovascular adverse events. This review discusses the measurement of albuminuria and summarizes the current literature on the association between albuminuria and adverse cardiovascular and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and hypertension.