The value of the urinary protein: creatinine ratio for the detection of significant proteinuria in women with suspected preeclampsia

摘要

To explore the correlation between urinary protein:creatinine ratio and 24-h excretion of protein, we studied 149 women referred to a day assessment unit for investigations for suspected preeclampsia. Paired samples were obtained for measurement of urinary protein:creatinine ratio and 24-h protein excretion. Collection of a 24-h urine sample was validated by the daily creatinine excretion. The outcome measure was proteinuria of 300mg/day or more. Inaccurate 24-h collection was observed in 17% of women. All women (n=56) with a protein:creatinine ratio >60mg/mM had significant proteinuria. No woman with protein:creatinine ratio <18mg/mM (n=20) had significant proteinuria. We recommend that a dual cut-off should be used for excluding and ruling in the diagnosis of significant proteinuria. A 24-h urine collection should be used only for urinary protein:creatinine ratio values between 18 and 60mg/mM in the detection of significant proteinuria.