Urinary Protein Creatinine Ratio in Normal Zero to Three-Day-Old Indian Neonates

Introduction: Early neonates (1-7-day-old) may develop acute kidney injury or acute renal failure due to functional (pre-renal, may be caused by decreased renal perfusion), intrinsic (renal, may be caused by acute insult), or obstructive (due to anatomic urinary tract obstruction) causes. Urinary protein estimation is important for diagnosis, follow-up and prognosis of disease. The Protein Creatinine Ratio (PCR) has been successfully used to establish proteinuria in different types of patients. Aim: This study was undertaken to establish normal PCR range in neonates, to rule out abnormal protein excretion in sick neonates. Materials and Methods: A total of 37 normal early neonates of age 0-3 days were enrolled for this study. Random spot urine samples were collected in paediatric urine bags for protein and creatinine estimation. Results: The urinary PCR varied between 0.1-0.8. The range of PCR values obtained was greater in 0-1 day old infants, compared to infants older than one day. Changes in PCR values were due to variations in the creatinine excretion. Conclusion: Urinary PCR values ≤ 0.8 indicate normal protein excretion. However, reference intervals of PCR should be established for narrow age groups in case of early neonates, e.g. 0-6h, 6-12h, 12-24h, 24-72h old babies.