Urinary albumin:creatinine ratio in postburn patients in Ikeja- Lagos, Nigeria; a point-of-care survey

Abstract

Background: Chemical mediators are released after burns. They are responsible for the pathophysiological responses of microcirculation and fluid shift in patients with burns. The mediators also have direct damaging effects on tissues including the kidneys. Acute kidney disease is common in patients with burns.
Patients/methods: A cross-sectional Point-of-Care survey of the urine of post-burn patients was done at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja-Lagos, Nigeria to check for the prevalence of renal morbidity among them and study the predisposing factors. All consenting postburn cases that were seen at the Out-patient Clinic between May 1st and October 31st 2011 were studied. Urine samples were collected into sterile containers and tested for albumin and creatinine with MicroalbuPHAN(R) (Erba Lacherma Bmo CZ) Diagnostic Strips. The ratio of the urinary concentrations of albumin:creatinine was calculated.
Results: Fifty-six cases were seen, 55(98.2 %) had urinary albumin: creatinine ratio within the microalbuminuria range, one proteinuria and were independent of the extent of burn injury.
Conclusion: Post-burn renal morbidity is common in the study environment. Renal status of patients should be assessed during the acute, subacute and postburn phases of management to detect persisting renal injury and institute appropriate management.

Key words: - Burns, point-of-care-testing, kidney injury, urinary albumin: creatinine ratio, Nigeria.