Introduction: About 7years after preeclampsia, the prevalence of microalbuminuria is reported to be around 30% [1]. As proteinuria resolves in most cases within two years of post partum, [2] this raises the question of whether microalbuminuria first regresses after preeclampsia or persists.
Objectives: This cross-sectional study describes the prevalence of microalbuminuria in the years following preeclampsia.
Methods: Women with a history of preeclampsia (n=823) were evaluated 4-180months after delivery. Women with pre-existing hypertension, renal disease or diabetes mellitus were excluded (n=65). In a 24h urine collection we determined total protein (pyrogallol red), microalbuminuria (turbidometry, Cobas Bio and since 2007 nephelometry, BN ProSpec) and creatinine (Jaffe method). Microalbuminuria was considered to be present when there was ⩾3.5mg/mmol of creatinine. Proteinuria was defined as a total protein level of ⩾300mg/24h.
Results: Microalbuminuria was present in 12.0%, CI 9.7-14.6 and proteinuria in 2.7%, CI 1.7-4.1 of all cases. Microalbuminuria decreased up to 40months postpartum, but increased after that period of time (p=0.01 compared with 24-40months).
Conclusion: This study suggests a U-shaped microalbuminuria pattern over time. Longitudinal research is necessary to confirm this.
Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier B.V.