Relationship Between Microalbuminuria and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Metabolic Syndrome

Objective To observe the relationship between microalbuminuria (MAU) and carotid atherosclerosis(AS) in the metabolic syndrome(MS). Methods Three hundred and sixteen patients were recruited and divided in to three groups: metabolic syndrome(MS, n=152), diabetes millitus(DM, n=84), and essential hypertension(EH, n=80). Urinary albumin excretion(UAE) and ultrasonography for carotid artery were examined. Results The CCA-IMT(0.9±0.2 vs 0.8±0.2 mm, P0.01), inner diameter of CCA(6.9±1.0 vs 6.6±0.9 mm, P0.01), incidence rate of plaque(48.5% vs 36.5%, P0.05) were significantly higher in abnormal MAU group (≥30 mg/24 h) compared with normal MAU group. The incidence rate of plaque was significantly higher when UAE exceeded the threshold of ≥60 mg/24 h(P0.05). Subgronps analysis revealed that the incidence rate of plaque was significantly higher in abnormal MAU group compared with normal MAU group of EH(P0.05). The CCA-IMT and inner diameter of CCA were significantly higher in abnormal MAU group compared with normal MAU group with MS(P0.05, P0.05). Conclusion High incidence of carotid AS in patients with abnormal MAU, especially when patients' UAE≥60 mg/24 h. Compared with normal MAU group, more severe carotid lesion was found in abnormal MAU group with MS.