[Albuminuria : prognostic marker or therapeutic goal?].

Microalbuminuria has most often been linked with renal disease in diabetic patients. However, accumulating data demonstrate that the development of albuminuria is closely associated with cardiovascular and renal disease in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The role of albuminuria in the pathogenesis of these clinical conditions remains controversial. While reductions in albuminuria have been associated with improved outcomes, the evidence for lower levels of albuminuria (microalbuminuria and normoalbuminuria) is inconclusive. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers have demonstrated some success in treating or delaying the onset of microalbuminuria. However, it remains to be established whether these effects result in meaningful reductions in clinical renal or cardiovascular events.