ABSTRACT
To assess the progression of nephropathy in diabetic patients by using protein: creatinine index in spot urine sample as compared to 24 hours urinary protein excretion rate. Comparative cross-sectional study. One hundred and fourteen patients, 45 male and 69 female, aged 18 to 67 years having proteinuria of more than 150 mg/day were included this study. Quantitative measurement of protein in the spot and 24h urine specimens were carried out by a method based on the formation of a red complex of protein with pyrogallal red in acidic medium, on Microlab 200 [R] [Merck]. Estimation of creatinine was done on Selectra [R]-2 [Merck] by Jaffe's reaction. The urine protein: creatinine index was calculated by dividing the urine protein concentration [mg/L] by urine creatinine concentration [mmol/L] and multiplying by 10. The protein: creatinine index in spot urine sample showed a reliable method of monitoring of progressive diabetic nephropathy as compared to 24 hours urine protein excretion rate. A significant correlation [r = 94] was found between the protein creatinine index and standard 24 hours urinary protein excretion in these patients [p< 0.001]. The index showed a significant negative correlation [r = 0.46] with glomerular filtration rate in progressive renal insufficiency in poorly controlled diabetics. The protein: creatinine index is quick and reliable method of estimation of proteinuria, to be used for monitoring of nephropathy leading to renal insufficiency in poorly controlled diabetics