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Reliability of a single collection of urine sample in determination of urine protein to creatinine ratio
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Reliability of a single collection of urine sample in determination of urine protein to creatinine ratio

G. Rossi, A. Zatelli and S. Paltrinieri
Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Vol.41(4), E34
2012
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Abstract

Background: Several studies have stressed the importance of correctly identifying and treating proteinuria in dogs. The persistence of proteinuria is a key element in the assessment of proteinuria. Therefore, proteinuric dogs should be repeatedly tested to be classified as “persistently proteinuric”. Nevertheless, no studies about the biological variability of proteinuria in dogs are available. Objective: The aim of the study wad to assess the biological variability of proteinuria and its possible influence on classification of patients based on the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) staging. Methods: Urine samples were collected from 36 dogs. Exclusion criteria were: poorly controlled renal disease, recent changes of treatments or diet, and presence of concurrent diseases. Urine samples were collected twice, at least two weeks apart, and centrifuged. Sediment analysis and measurement of the urinary protein:creatinine (UPC) ratio were performed. Results of first and second sampling were compared using a Wilcoxon test either on the whole population or after grouping dogs according to the IRIS stage. Results: Dogs were substaged as N.23=non-proteinuric, N.6=borderline proteinuric, and N.7=proteinuric. No significant differences were detected between the UPC ratio recorded at first and second sampling either in the whole population (P=.905) or in groups based on IRIS staging (Stage I: p=.821; Stage II: p=.687; Stage III: .468). Nevertheless, in 8/36 cases the biological variability was high enough to induce a shift from non-proteinuric to borderline proteinuric. Conclusions: The biological variability of the UPC ratio in dogs with stable renal conditions is low, but it could affect the IRIS classification of patients.

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