AIMS Although albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) and total protein to creatinine ratio (PCR) in random urine have been supposed as alternatives to 24-h urine measurements, there are few studies comparing these tests in CKD patients. Therefore, we investigated the relations between ACR and PCR in CKD patients and the factors that affect the relationship.

METHODS We enrolled 808 patients with CKD prospectively and compared ACR, PCR and urine dipstick test in random urine.

RESULTS Albuminuria was well correlated with proteinuria (β = 1.114, p < 0.001). The association between albuminuria and proteinuria was greater in patients with following characteristics: dipstick protein positive compared with negative (p < 0.001 for interaction), urine creatinine level ≥ 60 mg/dl compared with < 60 mg/dl (p = 0.024 for interaction) and estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 compared with ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.040 for interaction). However, the association between albuminuria and proteinuria was not affected by sex, the presence of diabetes, or old age (≥ 60 years).

CONCLUSIONS Both ACR and PCR in random urine are correlated well and can be used for monitoring of protein excretion in CKD patients, alternatively. However, the correlation is not strong in patients with low amount of protein excretion or with low urinary creatinine concentration.