Microalbuminuria, Copeptin Linked

Plasma copeptin, a marker of endogenous vasopressin levels, is associated with microalbuminuria, independent of age and other potential confounders, according to study findings published in Kidney International (2010;77:29-36).

The finding is consistent with a hypothesis that vasopressin is involved in urinary albumin excretion.

“If future studies show that this association is causal, then drinking more water or pharmacological intervention to decrease plasma vasopressin may have beneficial effects on the kidney, especially in the elderly,” researchers wrote.

From the January 01, 2010 Issue of Renal and Urology News