SCREENING FOR PROTEINURIA IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION OR DIABETES-MELLITUS

Background. Proteinuria is an early indication of renal disease. This study was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of dipstick urinalysis in patients with chronic diseases including hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Methods. At a university family practice center, patients wi thout urinary tract disorders underwent dipstick urinalysis. Results. Of the 796 patients evaluated, increased proteinuria, possibly indicat ing early renal disease, was detected in 4% of healthy patients, 16% o f patients with hypertension, 29% of patients with diabetes, and 53% o f patients with both hypertension and diabetes. A higher incidence of proteinuria was found among African American patients with hypertensio n or diabetes or both than among white patients. Conclusions. Regular dipstick evaluation for proteinuria may be indicated in patients with hypertension or diabetes mellitus or both, particularly African Americ an patients with these disorders.