User:Mr. Ibrahem/Proteinuria

Proteinuria is the presence of excess proteins in the urine. This can result in the urine being foamy. Complications can include leg swelling, heart disease, blood clots, and muscle loss. It can be divided into transient and persistent.

Transient causes include urinary tract infections, fever, exercise, pregnancy, and being on ones feet for a prolonged period of time. Ongoing protein loss in the urine is a sign of kidney damage; with the amount of protein loss linked to the severity of disease. This may include glomerulonephritis, certain medications, diabetes, heart failure, high blood pressure, and myeloma.

Normally urine contains less than 15 mg/mmol or 150 mg/24 hr of protein. Proteinuria is defined as a urine protein creatinine ratio (UPCR) of more than 45 to 50 mg/mmol (400 mg/g to 440 mg/g) or a urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) of greater than 30 mg/mmol. Further investigation; however, is not generally required unless blood is present or the UPCR is greater than 100 mg/mmol. Severe proteinurina (>350 mg/mmol or 3.5 g/24 hr) is defined as nephrotic syndrome. The test may be falsely positive in those who are dehydrated.

Proteinuria is relatively common in adults, occurring in about 20% of people. Of those with a positive urine dipstick, less than 2% have a serious cause. In Japan, people are routine screened for the condition.