High microalbumin/creatinine ratio?

[victoriakline]

Hi,

I am 20, female, 5'3, and am at an average weight. I have systemic lupus, and recently got a urine test back reading that my microalbumin/creatinine ratio was 152.1 H, when it is supposed to be < 30. I was wondering if anyone could explain to me what this means. I have read some things about it being an indicator of kidney disease. Should I be concerned?

Thanks so much! Kind of hard to study for finals with this on my mind. :/

Best,

Tori

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

I found one article for you. medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/m...

"Microalbumin is a small amount of a protein called albumin. It is normally found in the blood. Creatinine is a normal waste product found in urine. A microalbumin creatinine ratio compares the amount of albumin to the amount of creatinine in your urine.

If there is any albumin in your urine, the amount can vary greatly throughout the day. But creatinine is released as a steady rate. Because of this, your health care provider can more accurately measure the amount of albumin by comparing it to the amount of creatinine in your urine. If albumin is found in your urine, it may mean you have a problem with your kidneys."

The best way to learn is to become your own advocate. Try looking up information at "The University of Google. Ask your doctor to explain what MIGHT be going on. And remember, one lab is not always enough to determine if there is kidney disease. There are also other indicators such as GFR.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

[victoriakline in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks so much!

[Zazzel]

Hi Tori,

I know tests that are off can be alarming, but as Bassettmommer said, the doctor would need to do followup tests over a period of months to see if it was indicating any type of kidney disease, so it's too soon to be overly concerned.

There have been studies showing a correlation between periods of microalbinuria in systemic lupus patients who did not have renal disease. Here is a study ard.bmj.com/content/56/6/386.

In the meantime, go have fun over the holidays. Go light on the sugar, salt and alcohol, and study for your finals. Focus on those things for now. You will have time to deal with this after the holidays.

I'm assuming, due to your lupus, you are eating healthy, getting sleep, exercising, not smoking and either not drinking or keeping it to a minimum. If you aren't doing those things, start incorporating them into your lifestyle. You may also want to consider going gluten free and adopt a low inflammatory diet if you are not already doing so since lupus is an autoimmune disease. My friend with lupus said that has really helped her. If, for some reason you were in early stages of renal disease, all of these things would slow progression as well as be good for your current condition.

Good luck on your finals and happy holidays!