Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My urine albumin to creatinine ratio blood test is high (13.2 mg/mmol), and I have high blood pressure (153/99 today, 177/97 last week). I am wondering what this means?
All my other blood tests were in the normal range. I am currently taking Cyclosporine and Bimzelx to manage symptoms from severe psoriatic arthritis. I want to know if my kidneys are being affected.
Kindly suggest.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Your urine albumin to creatinine ratio of 13.2 mg/mmol is above the normal range (normally less than 3 mg/mmol), which means your kidneys are leaking protein (albumin) into the urine, which is a clear sign of early kidney involvement.
Along with your elevated blood pressure readings, this suggests that your kidneys may indeed be affected, either from high blood pressure itself, medication effects (Cyclosporine can be hard on the kidneys and raise blood pressure), or from underlying disease processes.
Since your other blood tests are normal, this appears to be an early warning sign rather than advanced kidney damage, but it is very important to take it seriously. You should discuss these results with your rheumatologist and a nephrologist.
Your doctors may consider adjusting your Cyclosporine, starting with blood pressure medication at lower doses such as an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor or ARB (angiotensin II receptor blockers), which also protect the kidneys. And closely monitoring kidney function with repeat blood and urine tests is mandatory.
In the meantime, a few tips that can help you are as follows:
Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
Reduce salt intake.
Stay well-hydrated.
Avoid taking over-the-counter painkillers like Ibuprofen unless prescribed, as they can further affect the kidneys.
I hope this helps. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.
Take care.
Regards.
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Answered byDr. Ayyala Somayajula Sai Sudha Meghana
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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