The relationship between microalbuminuria by using urine dipsticks and diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
Study the association between microalbuminuria and diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients.


METHODS
A cross-sectional analytic study of 1,111 cases with type 2 diabetic patients recruited from seven public hospitals, between June and December 2006 was performed


RESULTS
Two hundred eighty six subjects (79 males and 207 females) with urine dipsticks for microalbuminuria detection tested positive at least 2 of the 3 morning urine samples within 6 months. They were divided into 2 equal groups, micro- and normoalbuminuria based on quantity of albumin. Indirect ophthalmologic examination of all subjects' eyes for diabetic retinopathy was performed by ophthalmologists (retinal specialists). The present study showed that the proportion of diabetic retinopathy was 19.6% (28/143) and 12.6% (18/ 143) in micro- and normoalbuminuric groups, respectively. The difference of proportion between the groups was 7% but was statistically not significant (p = 0.108).


CONCLUSIONS
Microalbuminuria detected using urine dipstick was not cross-sectionaly associated with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients.
Potisat
Somkiat
S
Institute of Medical Research and Technology Assessment, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand. Potisat@health.moph.go.th
Srisubat
Attasit
A
Krairttichai
Udom
U
Jongsareejit
Amporn
A
D000419:Albuminuria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography