Protein in urine: Test, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Proteinuria is the medical term used to describe the presence of protein in the urine. This symptom may indicate potential damage to your kidneys and requires early and thorough methodical exploration. In this article, we will explore the possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatment for proteinuria.



◉ Physiology of proteinuria

The presence of protein in the urine can be due to several physiological and pathological processes:

There are three main mechanisms for increased urinary protein excretion.

◉ Normal level of protein in urine

The normal level of protein in urine in a random sample is typically less than 150 milligrams per day (mg/day) or less than 10 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) when measured in a 24-hour urine collection.

In neonates, it may be normal up to 300 mg/day..

Within these limits, proteinuria is considered physiological, consisting of Tamm-Horsfall mucoproteins, low molecular weight proteins and a very low amount of albumin.

◉ Causes and types of protein in urine

There are several types of proteinuria, each associated with different causes and conditions. Here are some of the more common types:

Transient proteinuria

It is the temporary presence of protein in the urine, it is by far the most common form of proteinuria and usually disappears without treatment. Here are some causes:

Orthostatic proteinuria

In orthostatic proteinuria, protein can be detected in the urine when an individual is standing but not when lying down. This type of proteinuria is commonly seen in children and young adults and usually goes away with age.

Persistent glomerular proteinuria

Glomerular proteinuria is usually due to increased permeability of the glomerular barrier in the kidneys. This increase in glomerular permeability can be caused by various conditions, such as

Persistent Tubular Proteinuria

◉ Possible symptoms

Protein in urine may not always cause noticeable symptoms on its own. In many cases, it is detected through routine urine tests or during medical evaluations. However, as the condition gradually worsens, you may eventually experience symptoms such as:

If you notice symptoms of proteinuria, tell your doctor as soon as possible.


◉ How is proteinuria diagnosed?

The presence and measurement of proteins in the urine, can be carried out using various diagnostic methods. Here are a few:

Detection of proteinuria by urine dipstick

Dipsticks are a commonly used tool to detect the presence of protein in a urine sample. They offer a semi-quantitative assessment, i.e. a rough estimate of the amount of protein present.

Results are usually interpreted based on color changes on the strip, comparing the reaction with a reference scale.

Proteinuria results per dipstick

Urine protein dipstick test


24 hour proteinuria test

The 24-hour proteinuria test is a laboratory test that accurately quantifies the amount of protein in urine over a 24-hour period.

Several techniques are used for the determination of proteinuria over 24 hours: colorimetric reaction, immunoassay, nephelemetry, turbidimetry, etc.

Other tests

◉ Treatment

It is important to emphasize that the treatment of proteinuria is individualized according to the underlying cause (diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, etc.) and the specific needs of each patient. It is essential to work closely with your doctor to determine the appropriate treatment plan and ensure adequate follow-up.

Taking your medications as prescribed by your healthcare professional is crucial to taking care of yourself. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and frequency of your medications to ensure they are effective in managing your condition

If you have proteinuria that is mild or temporary, you may not need treatment.

Here are some tips that can help you:

Note :It is always best to consult your doctor for personalized advice and recommendations based on your individual health condition.


Sources

  1. Protein in Urine (Proteinuria) Causes, Symptoms, Tests & Treatments
  2. Juhi Modi - Protein in Urine? Here s What It Could Mean
  3. Mobeen Z. Haider; Ahsan Aslam. - Proteinuria
  4. freseniuskidneycare - Why Your Doctor May Test for High Protein in Urine (Proteinuria)
  5. Kathleen Smith, PhD, LPC - Protein in Urine (Proteinuria): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
  6. healthlibrary - Understanding Protein in Urine (Proteinuria)
  7. Protein in urine (proteinuria)
  8. Jose Luis Gorriz et al - Proteinuria: detection and role in native renal disease progression
  9. Brad H Rovin, MD - Patient education: Protein in the urine (proteinuria) (Beyond the Basics)
  10. rwjbh - Protein in Urine
  11. Jose Luis Gorriz et al - Protocolo diagnóstico de la proteinuriaDiagnostic protocol for proteinuria
  12. msdmanuals - Protéinurie
  13. K. ZAHIRI et al : PROTEINURIE ORIENTATION DIAGNOSTIQUE