Comparison of pregnancy outcomes in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy using 24-hour urinary protein and urinary microalbumin to creatinine ratio

Objective: To determine the role of proteinuria estimated using the 24-hour urinary protein test and the spot urinary microalbumin to creatinine ratio on the outcomes of pregnancy in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Methods: A total of 163 hypertensive women were recruited. Maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with and without significant proteinuria were compared using the diagnostic accuracy of the two tests. Results: Women with significant proteinuria determined using the 24-hour urinary protein test delivered at an earlier gestational age, had higher rates of induced labor, and lower birth weights compared with women who had gestational hypertension. No significant differences in outcomes were noted using the diagnostic accuracy of the spot urinary microalbumin to creatinine ratio dipstick. Conclusion: The spot urinary microalbumin to creatinine ratio dipstick is a good screening test to rule out clinically significant proteinuria. © 2009 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.