Does Microalbuminuria Predict Mortality in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit?

The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of microalbuminuria (MA) to predict the mortality in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Between December 2014 and November 2015, 250 patients who were 1 month to 18 years old monitored at least 24 hours in PICU and met study criteria were included. Spot urine samples were measured for microalbuminuria. Pediatric Risk of Mortality III-24 and Pediatric Multiple Organ Dysfunction scores were calculated by using the worst parameters in first 24 hours. The collected data were analyzed with statistical methods and compared with mortality scoring systems and observed mortality. MA values were significantly higher in nonsurvivors than the average of the survivors (18 vs. 48 mg/g, < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that the areas under the curves for MA was 0.81 at a cut-off value of 32 mg/g, MA measured in 24 hours of admission to PICU may be able to discriminate between patients a with sensitivity of 85.2, specificity of 70.8%, positive predictive value of 31.5%, and negative predictive value of 96.8%. MA is a useful tool to predict mortality in PICU.