Microalbuminuria prevalence study (MAPS) in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes in Thailand.

BACKGROUND

Microalbuminuria represents the earliest clinical evidence of diabetic nephropathy, and is a marker of increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVES

This analysis of Thai data from the Microalbuminuria Prevalence Study (MAPS) assessed the prevalence of macroalbuminuria and microalbuminuria in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional clinic-based epidemiological study.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A total of 100 patients were enrolled, of which 97 patients constituted the per-protocol population (patients with bacteriuria and haematuria were excluded). Patients attended one study visit with no follow-up.

RESULTS

Overall, the prevalence of diabetic kidney disease was high, with macroalbuminuria contributing 13.4% [9.9-16.9; 95% confidence interval (CI)] and microalbuminuria contributing 43.3% [38.3-48.3; 95%CI].

CONCLUSION

Annual screening for microalbuminuria is recommended for all patients with type 2 diabetes, as early treatment is critical for reducing CV risks. Clinical studies have shown that renin-angiotensin system inhibitors can slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy.