What Causes Proteinuria?

Discussion Proteinuria occurs relatively often in pediatric practice with 5-15% of school children having transient proteinuria, the most common cause. However, proteinuria can be a sign of kidney disease. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the proteinuria in light of the clinical situation. A good history and physical examination along with a full urinalysis and/or BUN and creatinine, or urine protein/creatinine ratio may be all that is necessary. Another patient with edema, hypertension or hematuria needs a fuller evaluation and treatment. Proteinuria is usually categorized into three groups to assist with evaluation and treatment and they include: transient, orthostatic or persistent. Transient means just that. It occurs only during the inciting problem and remits afterwards. It generally is < 2+ on a dipstick. Proteinuria due to fevers usually resolves in 10-14 days, and exercise induced proteinuria remits within 48 hours of the exercise. Orthostatic (postural) proteinuria is proteinuria that occurs in the upright position only. It can be intermittent or persistent. It is the most common cause of asymptomatic proteinuria in children especially adolescents. Protein excretion in the recumbent position is < 4 mg/m2/hr and in the upright or ambulatory position is 2-4 times this amount. Persistent asymptomatic isolated proteinuria occurs in children and laboratory and clinical testing is otherwise normal. The protein is monitored every 6-12 months and if protein is...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news