Comparative Analysis of Urine Microalbumin Levels in Traditional and Nicotine-Containing Electronic Cigarette Smokers

Vaneza Joy  Diaz; Myrene Rose  Grafil; Dhan Kiell  Tolentino; Karen Faith Fumera

Authors

Vaneza Joy Diaz Adventist University of the Philippines
Myrene Rose Grafil Adventist University of the Philippines
Dhan Kiell Tolentino Adventist University of the Philippines
Karen Faith Fumera Adventist University of the Philippines

Keywords:

E-Cigarette, Microalbumin, Nicotine, Traditional Cigarettes

Abstract

The usage of electronic cigarettes, or “e-cigarette,” as a substitute for traditional cigarettes has skyrocketed since their introduction, particularly among teenagers and young adults. However, there is still a dearth of knowledge on the usage of e-cigarettes and renal health. This study compared the levels of urine microalbumin, an indicator of kidney damage, in smokers who use traditional cigarettes versus those who use e-cigarettes that contain nicotine. Urine samples were taken for the study from both groups, and the microalbumin levels were determined using the dipstick method. Based on the result, the mean microalbumin for traditional smokers (TS) was 27.1 mg/L, while for e-cigarette smoker (ES) was 28.5 mg/L – with non-smokers (NS) as negative control group, having mean of 14 mg/L. Both groups significantly differed from the negative control group (p ≤ 0.001), but there was no significant difference in microalbumin levels between traditional cigarette users and nicotine-containing e-cigarette users (p = 0.854). Findings revealed that the urine microalbumin levels in nicotine-containing e-cigarette users are comparable to those in traditional cigarette smokers, indicating similar levels of renal damage in both groups. This imply that, in contrast to what is commonly believed, e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes both provide similar risk to kidney health.

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