Speakers - GWC2026

Abstract

PROBLEM STATEMENT: Hypertensive disorders are the most common medical complications in pregnancy, with a global incidence of 12% to 22%. Proteinuria detection via 24-hour urine protein collection remains the gold standard in diagnosing preeclampsia. However, this method is time-consuming, potentially delaying management and increasing risks for both mother and fetus. In our institution, the 24-hour urine test is the standard method for detecting significant proteinuria among hypertensive pregnant patients. When quicker results are needed, we also utilize the quantitative spot urine protein-creatinine ratio (UPCR), which has a turnaround time of approximately 4 hours. An alternative method under investigation is the UPCR Qualitative Visual Dipstick Test. Its utility in detecting significant proteinuria is not yet well established in the Philippines, and few local studies have compared its accuracy with standard methods. This study aims to determine the diagnostic value of the qualitative visual dipstick test and its correlation with the spot quantitative UPCR and 24-hour urine protein.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to January 2024 in a tertiary government hospital. A total of 246 pregnant patients with new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks’ gestation were included. The UPCR Qualitative Visual Dipstick Test was performed using Abbott UroColor 10, and results were correlated with the quantitative spot UPCR and 24-hour urine protein results.

RESULTS: The dipstick test showed significant positive correlation with the spot UPCR (r=0.663, p<0.001) and 24-hour urine protein (r=0.584, p<0.001). It had a diagnostic accuracy of 60.98%, sensitivity of 51.78%, specificity of 97.96%, PPV of 99.03%, NPV of 33.57%, positive likelihood ratio of 25.37, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.49.

CONCLUSION: The UPCR Qualitative Visual Dipstick Test is a rapid, accessible, and moderately accurate screening tool for proteinuria. It may be valuable in primary care and low-resource settings. In higher-level facilities, it can serve as an initial screening method while awaiting confirmatory results from standard tests. Further multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are recommended.