Perinatology Protein Creatinine Ratio Calculator

PCR Equation:

\[ PCR (mg/mmol) = \frac{Urine\ Protein\ (mg/L)}{Urine\ Creatinine\ (mmol/L)} \]

Protein Creatinine Ratio (PCR):

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1. What is the Protein Creatinine Ratio?

The Protein Creatinine Ratio (PCR) is a diagnostic measurement used to quantify proteinuria in pregnancy. It provides a more accurate assessment than dipstick testing and helps evaluate kidney function and preeclampsia risk in perinatal care.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the PCR equation:

\[ PCR (mg/mmol) = \frac{Urine\ Protein\ (mg/L)}{Urine\ Creatinine\ (mmol/L)} \]

Where:

Urine Protein — Measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L)
Urine Creatinine — Measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L)

Explanation: The ratio normalizes protein excretion to creatinine concentration, providing a more reliable measure than random urine protein measurements alone.

3. Importance in Perinatology

Details: PCR is particularly valuable in pregnancy for monitoring proteinuria, which is a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia. It helps assess renal function and guide management decisions during pregnancy.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter urine protein concentration in mg/L and urine creatinine concentration in mmol/L. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal PCR value in pregnancy?
A: Normal PCR in pregnancy is typically less than 30 mg/mmol. Values above this may indicate significant proteinuria requiring further evaluation.

Q2: Why use PCR instead of 24-hour urine collection?
A: PCR provides a quicker, more convenient alternative to 24-hour urine collection while maintaining good correlation for proteinuria assessment.

Q3: When should PCR testing be performed during pregnancy?
A: PCR testing is typically performed when there's clinical suspicion of preeclampsia, hypertension, or renal complications during pregnancy.

Q4: Are there limitations to PCR testing?
A: PCR may be less accurate in cases of extremely diluted or concentrated urine, and in patients with rapidly changing renal function.

Q5: How does PCR relate to preeclampsia diagnosis?
A: PCR ≥ 30 mg/mmol is often used as a cutoff for significant proteinuria in preeclampsia diagnosis, along with other clinical criteria.