The importance of albuminuria in primary health care: prevention is better than cure

Authors

  • Ana Rita L. de Almeida Médica Interna de Nefrologia. Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, ULS Loures Odivelas. Loures, Portugal.
  • Ana Inês L. de Almeida Médica Especialista em Medicina Geral e Familiar. UCSP Castanheira de Pêra, ULS Coimbra. Castanheira de Pêra, Portugal.
  • Maria Fátima Castro Médica Interna de Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF Serra da Lousã, ULS Coimbra. Lousã, Portugal.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v41i5.14075

Keywords:

Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Primary health care, Chronic kidney disease, Albuminuria

Abstract

This article discusses a study conducted in a Family Health Unit that assessed the follow-up of 126 patients with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus, focusing on the determination of microalbuminuria, a significant marker of kidney disease and cardiovascular risk. The results showed that in most patients, albuminuria was measured annually using the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in a random urine sample. Regarding nephroprotective and albuminuria-reducing therapies, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) were the preferred agents, while sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) were used only in patients with higher ACR levels. Given the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Portugal, we consider it is extremely relevant to raise awareness about the importance of assessing albuminuria in primary health care to detect early signs of worsening renal function and initiate prognosis-modifying therapies.

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References

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Published

2025-11-03

Issue

Vol. 41 No. 5 (2025): Revista Portuguesa de Medicina Geral e Familiar

Section

Brief Article

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Portuguese Journal of Family Medicine and General Practice

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How to Cite

The importance of albuminuria in primary health care: prevention is better than cure. (2025). Portuguese Journal of Family Medicine and General Practice, 41(5), 455-8. https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v41i5.14075