Correlation between serum albumin and creatinine levels in children with nephrotic syndrome

Background Nephrotic syndrome is a glomerular disorder characterized by massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hyperlipidemia. Hypoalbuminemia in nephrotic syndrome leads to hypovolemia, a decrease in renal perfusion and glomerular filtration rate. Serum creatinine level reflects the glomerular filtration rate. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between serum albumin and creatinine levels in children with nephrotic syndrome. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, aged between 1 to 14 years old, admitted to Pediatric Department in Hasan Sadikin Hospital from January 2001 to September 2007. We used data from patients' medical records to obtain serum albumin and creatinine levels during nephrotic stage. Statistical analysis using Pearson correlation test was performed to establish the correlation between serum albumin and creatinine levels. The type of correlation was determined by regression analysis. Results Subjects were 113 children, consisted of 81 boys (72%) with mean of age 6.8 (SD 3.3) years. Mean of serum albumin and creatinine levels were 1.4 (SD 0.4) g/dL and 0.7 (SD 0.4) mg/ dL, respectively. Analysis using Pearson correlation test showed a moderate (r=-0.478) significant correlation (Pserum albumin and creatinine levels in children with nephrotic syndrome. Regression analysis suggested a negative linear relationship between serum albumin level as the independent variable (X) and serum creatinine level as the dependent variable (Y) by using equation Y = 1.328-0.460X. Conclusion In patients with nephrotic syndrome there is a moderate negative correlation between serum albumin and creatinine levels.