Prevalence Of Asymptomatic Urinary Abnormalities Among KLE University Students - A One Year Cross Sectional Study At KLE University, Belgaum

Abstract

Background and objectives An abnormal urinary test may be the earliest warning of a significant renal pathology. With the aid of routine dipstick examinations early symptoms of diseases of the kidneys and the urinary tract (Pyuria, hematuria and proteinuria) can be identified. The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic urinary abnormalities which will help to prevent progression into CKD or to postpone the need for renal replacement and other abnormalities of the urinary system. Methodology The present one year cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum during the period of January 2010 to December 2010. A total of 849 undergraduate Medical and Dental students studying at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum and KLES V. K Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum were included. Urine samples were collected in sterile wide mouthed containers and tested using dip sticks. The colour change on the dip stick due to chemical reaction was compared to standard chart and results were interpreted and the abnormalities were analysed Results Of the 849 students, 320 were males (37.69%) and 529 were females (62.31%). Maximum number of students (22.97%) had age as 20 years. A total of 79 students (9.31%) had asymptomatic urinary abnormalities. 51 students had proteinuria (6.01%), 18 had hematuria (2.12%) and Nitrituria was seen in 10 IX (1.18%) female students. Proteinuria (6.42% v/s 5.31%) and hematuria (2.27% vs 1.88%) was more common in females. Those who had urinary abnormalities had only one urinary abnormality and no one had more than one urinary abnormality. Interpretation and conclusion Overall, in the present study, there was a significantly higher prevalence of asymptomatic urinary abnormalities among apparently healthy young adults. These students who had urinary abnormalities need further evaluation in detail.