• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.208-211
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• 2006

Microalbuminuria is most frequently caused by kidney damage from diabetes. Moreover, many other conditions can lead to kidney damage, such as high blood pressure, heart failure, cirrhosis, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The measurement of the microalbumin in urine may be useful for the early diagnosis or as a predictor of nephropathy in diabetes. The most common method for getting a quantitative measurement of urinary protein relies on a 24-hour urine collection. The result of this method is accurate. But 24hr urine collection is difficult to obtain and variations in volume are frequent. Also the patients complain about urine collection. We tried to measure reference values for microalbumin using fasting urine and compare them with the albumin/creatinine ratio using 24hr urine. The concentrations of microalbumin in fasting urine and 24hr urine were $7.1{\pm}3.8mg/L$, $5.7{\pm}2.9mg/L$ (r=0.61, p=0.27), respectively. The albumin/creatinine ratios using fasting urine and 24hr urine were $8.7{\pm}4.2{\mu}g/mg$, $8.7{\pm}4.0{\mu}g/mg$ (r=0.76, p=0.88), respectively. This study indicated that the measurement of microalbumin in fasting urine was an easy and simple method for early diagnosis or to predict nephropathy in diabetes. Thus, setting up the reference value using fasting urine may be useful in the screening test for the diabetic nephropathy patients instead of using the 24hr albumin excretion rate (AER).

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.183-187
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• 2016

The aim of this study was to assess the association between microalbumin and pulse pressure (PP) in Korean adults. The study subjects were Korean adults 20 years or older (n=4,948) who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012. The urine microalbumin level ($M{\pm}SE$) was significantly higher (p=0.047) in the high PP group (PP>60.0 mmHg) [$33.02{\pm}4.93{\mu}g/mL$ (95% confidence interval (CI), 23.37~42.68)] than the normal PP group ($PP{\leq}60.0mmHg$) [$22.57{\pm}1.63{\mu}g/mL$ (95% CI, 19.36~25.77)], after adjusting for age, gender, smoking, drinking, regular exercising, WM, BMI, TC, TG, HDL-C, FBG, BUN, creatinine, and urine creatinine. In conclusion, pulse pressure was associated with the microalbumin level in Korean adults.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.9
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• pp.840-844
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• 2010

Purpose: Microalbuminuria is defined as increased urinary albumin excretion (30-300 mg/day) or microalbumin/creatinine ratio (30-300 mg/g) in a spot urine sample. Although microalbuminuria is a predictor of clinical nephropathy and cardiomyopathy, few studies have investigated microalbuminuria in children with urinary tract infection (UTI). Therefore, we compared the spot urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio in pediatric UTI patients with that of control subjects. Methods: We investigated the correlation between the ratio in children with UTI and age, height, weight, blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), hematuria, vesicoureteral reflux, renal parenchymal defect, and renal scar, and its predictability for UTI complications. Results: We studied 66 patients (42 boys, 24 girls) and 52 healthy children (24 boys, 28 girls). The mean microalbumin/creatinine ratio in UTI patients was statistically significantly increased compared to the control group ($340.04{\pm}321.36mg/g$ vs. $225.68{\pm}154.61mg/g$, $P$=0.0141). The mean value of spot urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio ($384.70{\pm}342.22mg/g$ vs. $264.92{\pm}158.13mg/g$, $P$=0.0341) in 1-23 months age patient group showed statistically significant increase compared to control group. Microalbumin/creatinine ratio showed negative correlation to age (r=-0.29, $P$=0.0167), body surface area (BSA) (r=-0.29, $P$=0.0173) and GFR (r=-0.26, $P$=0.0343). The presence of hematuria ($P$=0.0169) was found to be correlated. Conclusion: The spot urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio in children with UTI was significantly greater than that in normal children, and it was positively correlated with GFR. This ratio is a potential prescreening and prognostic marker in UTI patients. Further studies are required to validate the predictability of microalbuminuria in pediatric UTI patients.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.56-62
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• 2009

Purpose : The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of measurement of ${\beta}_2$ microglobulin (${\beta}_2$ MG), N-acetyl-$\beta$-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) of spot urine samples as indices of renal tubular damage and microalbumin of spot urine samples as a parameter of glomerular damage in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) or renal defects. Methods : We studied 91 children with previous UTI. The children were classified as 62 children without VUR and renal defects (group I), 10 children with VUR, without renal defects (group II), and 19 children with VUR and renal defects (group III). Patients having VUR were separated according to the degree of VUR (mild VUR: VUR grade I-III, severe VUR: VUR grade IV-V). Urinary excretion of ${\beta}_$ microglobulin (${\beta}_2$ MG), microalbumin, N-acetyl-$\beta$-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), creatinine were measured in samples of morning urine specimens. Children with VUR or renal defects detected by voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and DMSA renal scan were investigated. Results : Microalbumin/Cr ratio of spot urine was significantly increased in group III compared group I ($42.3{\pm}27.2\;mg/gCr$ vs $25.2{\pm}10.9\;mg/gCr$, P<0.05). NAG/Cr ratio of spot urine was significantly increased in group II compared group I ($3.70{\pm}23.4\;mg/gCr$ vs $18.7{\pm}12.7\;mg/gCr$, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference of ${\beta}_2$ MG/Cr ratio among three groups. Conclusion : Urinary microalbumin excretion of morning urine sample may be a simple and reliable clinical indicators for early identification of renal damage in children with VUR and renal defects. Urinary microalbumin excretion may be useful marker to predict the the severity of VUR.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.153-160
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• 2001

Objectives : The authors evaluated the effects on renal function of workers chronically exposed to low-level organic solvent mixtures. Methods : The authors measured the level of urine ${\beta}2$-microglobulin(${\beta}2$-MG) and microalbumin as biochemical markers of renal function and damage in 29 male workers exposed to organic solvents for more than five years and compared their results with those of 30 male office clerks as a reference group. Results : 1. The mean values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, SGOT, SGPT, ${\gamma}$-GTP were all within normal limits and there was no significant difference, except for hemoglobin(p<0.01), between exposed and reference group. 2. The values of BUN and serum creatinine were within reference limits and there was no significant difference between exposed and reference group. 3. The difference of mean values of urine microalbumin corrected by urine creatinine were statistically significant (p<0.01), but those of urine ${\beta}2$-MG was not. 4. There were no correlation of urine hippuric acids with BUN, serum creatinine, urine microalbumin and ${\beta}2$-MG. 5. There were no significant difference of BUN, serum creatinine, urine microalbumin and ${\beta}2$-MG upon work duration. Conclusions: It is assumed that chronic low-level organic solvent exposure in these workers shows early renal dysfunction, glomerular changes. The result corresponds to previous studies showing the relationship between hydrocarbon exposure and glomerulonephritis. For evaluation of impairment on kidney tubules, we need further study using more precise markers and long-term follow-up.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.378-386
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• 2017

The aim of this study was to assess the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and vitamin D and urine microalbumin (MA) in Korean adults. The study subjects were Korean adults 20 years or older (n=4,948). A covariance test adjusted for covariates was performed for urine MA levels in relation to vitamin D status (vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D insufficiency, vitamin D sufficiency). The key study results were as follows: First, in subjects without MetS, after adjusting for related variables (age, gender, smoking, drinking, regular exercising, wast measurement, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and glomerular filtration rate), vitamin D levels were inversely associated with Log-MA levels (p<0.001). Second, in subjects with MetS, after adjusting for related variables, vitamin D levels were not associated with Log-MA levels (p=0.892). In conclusion, vitamin D was inversely associated with urine MA levels in Korean adults without MetS, but not in Korean adults with MetS.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.139-143
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• 2019

The aim of this study was to assess the association of vitamin D and urine microalbumin/creatinine (uACR) and obesity. The study subjects were Korean adults 20 years or older (n = 4,948) who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012. Analysis of covariance test adjusted for covariates were performed for uACR levels in relation to vitamin D status [vitamin D deficient, 25(OH)D < 10 ng/dL; vitamin D insufficient, 25(OH)D ≥ 10, < 20 ng/dL; vitamin D sufficient, 25(OH)D ≥ 20 ng/dL]. The key study results were as follows: First, in the populations without obesity (BMI < 25 kg/m²), uACR levels were decreased with the increasing of vitamin D status (p < 0.001) after adjusting for relevant variables. Second, in the populations with obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²), the association between uACR levels and vitamin D status was not significant (p = 0.659). In conclusion, urine microalbumin/creatinine levels were inversely associated with vitamin D status in Korean adults without obesity, but not in Korean adults with obesity.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.10
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• pp.977-982
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• 2003

Purpose : This study aimed to examine the excretion of various urinary proteins in children with a history of urinary tract infection(UTI), with or without vesicoureteral reflux(VUR) or reflux nephropathy, and to identify means of predicting the severity of VUR or the presence of reflux nephropathy as indicated by these markers, and to know how these markers are changed after resolution of VUR. Methods : We studied 30 children with previous UTI, without VUR and renal scarring(group I), 12 children with VUR, without evidence of renal scarring(group II), and 34 children with VUR and renal scarring(group III). 24-hour or 12-hour urine ${\beta}_2$ microglobulin(${\beta}_2$ MG), microalbumin and N-acetyl-${\beta}$-D-glucosaminidase(NAG) were measured in each child. Urinary protein excretions were analyzed according to the degree of VUR(mild VUR : a grade reflux I-III, severe VUR : a grade reflux IV-V). Cases of bilateral VUR were graded by the higher grade of reflux detected. A total of 46 children with primary VUR were followed. Among these patients, VUR was completely resolved in 16 children. Voiding cystourethrography(VCUG) and DMSA scan were performed every year. Values for urinary markers were estimated every year. Results : 24 or 12 hour urine microalbumin and NAG excretions were significantly increased in group III compared to group I(microalbumin : $27.7{\pm}26.0mg/gCr$ vs $15.0{\pm}10.7mg/gCr$, P<0.05, NAG : $15.2{\pm}18.7U/gCr$ vs $3.4{\pm}2.2U/gCr$, P<0.05). Urinary ${\beta}_2$ MG excretions were not significantly different between groups. Urinary NAG excretions were elevated in the group of children with severe VUR compared to mild VUR($26.8{\pm}27.1U/gCr$ vs $7.6{\pm}3.8U/gCr$, P<0.05). After resolution of VUR, urinary microalbumin and NAG excretions were decreased(P<0.05). Conclusion : Urinary microalbumin and NAG may be useful clinical indicators to predict the presence of reflux nephropathy and the resolution of VUR. Especially, urinary NAG excretions may be used as a possible method to predict the severity of VUR.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.133-137
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• 1998

Purpose : To investigate renal toxicity of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG) in children with Kawasaki disease and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Methods : 23 children with Kawasaki disease and 7 children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura who were treated with high-dose IVIG(2 g/kg) were evaluated for the change of urine output, blood urea nitrogen(BUN), serum creatinine(Scr), creatinine clearance(Ccr), tubular reabsorption of phosphorus(TRP), fractional excretion of sodium(FENa), 24hour urine ${\beta}_2$-microglobulin/creatinine(${\beta}_{2}MG/cr$) ratio and urine microalbumin/creatinine(MA/cr) ratio at post-IVIG 1 and 3 day. Results : There was no significant change of urine output, BUN, Scr, Ccr, TRP, 24hour urine ${\beta}_{2}MG/cr$ and MA/cr ratio after high-dose IVIG treatment. Transient increase of FENa at post-IVIG 1 day was the only significant change. Conclusion : There was no significant renal toxicity of high-dose IVIG in children with Kawasaki disease and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura who had normal renal function.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.32-39
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• 1998

High-dose aprotinin(Hammersmith regimen) has been widely used for years to control postoperative bleeding and reduce blood consumption in cardiac surgery but had known to cause some side-effects and had disadvantage in cost-effectiveness. The prospective controlled study of 33 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass was performed to evaluate the efficacy for reducing postoperative bleeding and unfavorable effects of low-dose aprotinin. The level of hemoglobin and platelet in the blood and the amount of postoperative bleeding were assessed preoperatively, and postoperatively for the study of hemostatic function. The level of BUN and serum creatinine in the blood, levels of urine creatinine, total protein, albumin, alpha-1-microglobulin and creatinine clearance were assessed before and after the operation for the study of renal function. The aprotinin group had a significant reduction in chest tube drainage; 243$\pm$ 123 ml versus 406$\pm$303 ml(P=0.037) during 6 hours immediate-postoperatively, 494$\pm$358 ml versus 869$\pm$570 ml(P=0.045) during 24 hours postoperatively. The ratio of alpha-1-microglobulin/creatinine and microalbumin/creatinine in the urine were slightly increased in the aprotinin group postoperatively in comparison with the control group but there were no statistically significant difference(55$\pm$23 versus 24$\pm$10 in the alpha-1-microglobulin/creatinine, 56$\pm$19 versus 38$\pm$25 in the microalbumin/creatinine at post- operative 3rd day). There were no significant difference between two groups in other parameters of renal function, too. This study showed that low-dose aprotinin is an effective means of reducing postoperative bleeding without inducing significant renal dysfunction.