What does this mean and the norm?
In a general urine test, protein in a healthy state is usually not detected; a small amount, up to 0.033 g/l, is often considered acceptable by laboratories. More accurately, protein loss is assessed by daily urine: in adults, the norm is up to 150 mg per day. For early detection of kidney damage, the ratio of albumin to creatinine in a single portion of urine is used: a value of up to 30 mg/g is considered normal, 30–300 mg/g is moderately elevated, and above 300 mg/g is significantly elevated.
- Transient - temporary, after exercise, fever, stress
- Orthostatic - in adolescents, only in an upright position
- Persistent - with repeated tests within three months
- Nephrotic level - more than 3.5 g per day
Possible reasons
Causes are divided into renal, associated with damage to the kidney filter or tubules, and extrarenal. The most common causes of persistent proteinuria in adults are diabetic kidney disease and hypertension. Protein in the urine can also appear due to inflammation of the urinary tract, when there are a lot of leukocytes and bacteria in the urine, as well as when there is an admixture of discharge from the genital tract, if the analysis is collected incorrectly.
- Diabetes mellitus
- Arterial hypertension
- Glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome
- Pyelonephritis, urinary tract infection
- Preeclampsia during pregnancy
- Intense physical activity, fever
Associated symptoms
Mild proteinuria usually does not reveal itself and is discovered by chance. When a lot of protein is lost, the level of albumin in the blood decreases, and fluid goes into the tissues. Swelling appears, first under the eyes in the morning, then on the legs. A renal cause is also indicated by blood in the urine, high blood pressure, and a change in the amount of urine. With a urinary tract infection, protein is accompanied by a burning sensation, frequent urges, and fever.
- Foamy urine
- Swelling of the eyelids in the morning, swelling of the legs
- Increased blood pressure
- Change in urine color
- Weakness, loss of appetite
- Burning when urinating due to infection
What examinations are needed
First, the analysis is repeated: the morning portion is collected after hygiene of the external genitalia, without physical activity the day before, not during menstruation. If the protein is detected repeatedly, the ratio of albumin or protein to creatinine in the urine or the daily loss of protein is determined. Kidney function is assessed by blood creatinine with calculation of glomerular filtration rate. An ultrasound of the kidneys shows their size and structure. If glomerulonephritis is suspected, the nephrologist prescribes additional tests, sometimes a kidney biopsy.
- Repeated general urine test
- Albumin-creatinine ratio
- Daily protein in urine
- Blood creatinine and GFR calculation
- Blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin
- Kidney ultrasound
What to do and treatment
If the protein appears once due to stress or a cold, it is enough to retake the test after recovery. For persistent proteinuria, treat the underlying cause. Controlling blood pressure and sugar levels in diabetes plays an important role. To protect the kidneys, the doctor may prescribe drugs from the groups of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, which reduce protein loss. It is useful to quit smoking, do not abuse salt and painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs. Self-medication and diuretic herbs without a doctor’s prescription can be harmful.
- Retake the analysis for a single finding
- Blood pressure and sugar control
- Kidney protecting medications as prescribed by your doctor
- Moderate salt intake
- Quitting smoking and frequent use of NSAIDs
- Regular monitoring of urine and creatinine tests
