Urinary microalbumin/creatinine ratio is a predictor of the occurrence and severity of leukoaraiosis.

Objective: To investigate the correlation between the urinary microalbumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) and the occurrence and severity of leukoaraiosis.

Methods: A total of 323 patients were retrospectively recruited. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected at the time of admission, and the UACR was calculated based on the levels of urinary microalbumin and creatinine. All patients showed improvement in cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. The subjects were divided into leukoaraiosis and non-leukoaraiosis groups according to the results of the cranial MRI examination. According to the Fazekas standard score, the patients in the leukoaraiosis group were divided into the mild leukoaraiosis group: Fazekas (1-2 points), moderate leukoaraiosis group: Fazekas (3-4points); and severe leukoaraiosis group: Fazekas (5-6 points).

Results: A regression analysis was performed to adjust for confounding factors. (1) Compared with the non-leukoaraiosis group, UACR level was higher in the leukoaraiosis group at admission, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). (2) In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, UACR was correlated with the occurrence of leukoaraiosis, which may be an independent risk factor. (3) The UACR levels increased gradually in the mild, moderate and severe leukoaraiosis groups, and the difference was statistically significant (p< 0.05). (4) In the ordered multi-category logistic regression analysis, UACR was correlated with the severity of leukoaraiosis, which may be an independent risk factor.

Conclusion: UACR is associated with the occurrence and severity of leukoaraiosis, and may be an independent risk factor.