Screening for microalbuminuria amongst medical students in University of Benin, Nigeria: a pilot study

Abstract

Microalbuminuria, a predictive tool in both diabetics and hypertensive, is associated with an increase in vascular mortality and morbidity in the healthy population. A cohort of apparently healthy medical students was screened for microalbuminuria using micral test strips. Data on history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, renal disease and smoking were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) were recorded in all subjects. Microalbuminuria was present in 61% of the students. It was commonly encountered in students who are smokers, have a family history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. BMI of students with normoalbuminuria was significantly lower than in students with MA (p = 0.012). MA positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.13, p = 0.40). Microalbuminuria is alarmingly prevalent in the group of students studied and may probably predate clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. There is need for follow-up and close monitoring of students who have been identified to have MA, as early preventive strategies may be useful.



Key Words: Screening, microalbuminuria, healthy students

(Jnl Med. & Biomed Res.: 1(2) 2002: 29-33)