Estimated Glomerular Filtration rate and Random Urine Protein: Creatinine ratio in Normal Pregnancies in Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

Renal impairment may occur before or during pregnancy with an overall detrimental impact on both the mother and foetus, necessitating the close monitoring of renal function, in a bid to minimize maternal and foetal complications. The study aims at determining the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), random urine Protein: Creatinine ratio (UP:Cr) in normal pregnancies with the view of providing reference values for monitoring renal function during pregnancy. The case-control study compared urine protein, urine creatinine, serum creatinine, eGFR, UP: Cr of normal pregnant with age matched non- pregnant women. A significant
(p<0.001) change was observed in the levels of urine protein, urine creatinine, UP:Cr in the control, second and third-trimester groups when compared. Urine protein, urine creatinine and UP:Cr were significantly (p<0.01) higher in second trimester pregnancies than controls. A significant (p<0.000) increase in urine protein and UP:Cr was observed in third trimester
pregnancies compared to non- pregnant controls. Comparing second and third trimester groups showed that urine protein and UP:Cr were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the third trimester group. A significant positive correlation was observed between gestation age and urine protein (p<0.05, r=0.217), gestation age and UP:Cr (p<0.01, r=0.369) in the pregnant population studied.
However, an inverse correlation was observed between urine creatinine and gestation age (p<0.01, r=-0.251). A strong significant inverse correlation was observed between serum creatinine and eGFR (p<0.01, r=-0.938) in the pregnant group. Our study shows that normal pregnancy impacts on renal function as reflected by changes in renal function indices. Routine biochemical assessment of renal function is recommended during antenatal care, aimed at identifying abnormal changes that may impact on maternal and foetal health.