Microalbuminuria in patients of acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Background: Microalbuminuria has evolved from being a feature of impaired renal function in diabetic nephropathy to an indicator of generalized endothelial dysfunction. It is gaining increasing recognition as a risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases including ischemic stroke. This study aimed to determine the presence of microalbuminuria in patients of acute ischemic stroke and to determine the relationship between microalbuminuria and severity of stroke. Materials and Methods: The study included 68 patients of acute ischemic stroke as cases and 68 age/sex matched healthy controls. Stroke severity was assessed using modified National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Morning void urine sample was collected from cases and controls. Urinary albumin concentration was measured by immunofluorescence method. Results: Microalbuminuria was present in 57.4% cases and 17.6% controls. Among cases, those with microalbuminuria had a mean severity score of 11.08 and those without microalbuminuria had a mean severity score of 7.83. A statistically significant association was found between microalbuminuria and acute ischemic stroke. Patients of acute ischemic stroke with microalbuminuria had more severe strokes than those without microalbuminuria. Conclusion: Microalbuminuria has a role as a risk factor and as a predictor of stroke severity in acute ischemic stroke.