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Proteinuria

Proteinuria
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Proteinuria is a condition in which the urine contains an unusually high amount of protein. Keep in mind that it is normal for some amount of protein to be present in the urine. Under normal circumstances the filtering units in the kidney clean up the blood and hold on to the protein in the blood so that it does not spill out into the urine. Proteinuria typically happens when the glomeruli (tiny filters in the kidneys that clean the blood) are damaged and allow too much protein to pass from the blood into the urine or when the tubules (the pipes that convert filtered blood into urine) lose protein.

Proteinuria can be classified into three kinds:

  • Transient proteinuria. Also called intermittent proteinuria, this is a very common type of proteinuria. In this kind, larger than normal amounts of protein are found in the urine for a short period under conditions of stress, such as fever, significant illness or severe exercise. This type of proteinuria resolves on its own without any problems and does not indicate kidney damage.
  • Orthostatic proteinuria. In this type, children lose protein in the urine when they are standing up and walking around, but not when they are lying flat. This is common in adolescents and does not indicate renal damage or problems. To test for this kind of proteinuria, your child's doctor may request that you bring in either a first morning urine sample or a 24-hour collection of urine.
  • Persistent proteinuria. This is when large amounts of protein are found in the urine at all times. This kind of proteinuria always needs to be analyzed by your child's doctor through detailed blood testing, urine testing and/or renal ultrasound. It can be found in several types of kidney disease, and the underlying cause needs to be identified so that specific treatment can be started.

In its early stages, proteinuria has no signs or symptoms. Once the condition progresses, you may notice that your child's urine looks foamy. Your child may also experience edema (swelling of the hands, feet, abdomen or face caused by excess fluid in the body).

Diagnosis of Proteinuria

Doctors at Riley at IU Health perform the following tests and exams to diagnose proteinuria:

  • Urinalysis. A laboratory urine test (urinalysis) is the only definitive way to determine if your child has proteinuria before major kidney damage occurs.
  • Urine protein quantification. This test can determine the exact amount of protein present in the urine. It is typically done by either a split 24-hour urine collection or first morning urine testing.
  • Blood tests. The pediatric nephrologist may order specific blood tests for your child to look into the cause of proteinuria.
  • Renal ultrasound. This is often done to look at the structure and anatomy of the kidneys.
  • Renal biopsy. A renal (kidney) biopsy may need to be done to determine the exact cause of protein in the urine if urine and blood tests cannot find the cause. It is important to find the cause so proper treatment can be started.

If your child is diagnosed with proteinuria, it is important that you work with your child's doctor to manage the condition so that it can be properly treated.

Treatments

Treatments

The treatment of proteinuria is dependent on the cause of proteinuria. Therefore, treatment varies and is different for every child. Early treatment of the condition will protect the kidneys from further damage and prevent kidney failure.

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember


  • Proteinuria is a condition in which the urine contains an unusually high amount of protein.
  • There are three kinds of proteinuria: transient, orthostatic and persistent.
  • In its early stages, proteinuria has no signs or symptoms.
  • Once the condition progresses, you may notice that your child's urine looks foamy. Your child may also experience edema.
  • The treatment of proteinuria depends on the cause of proteinuria.

Support Services & Resources

Support Services & Resources

Visit the trusted websites below to learn more about proteinuria:

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

National Kidney Foundation

Visit this website to learn more about proteinuria, including its causes and treatments.

American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics shares information about proteinuria in children on its website, healthychildren.org.

American Academy of Family Physicians

his website provides a detailed clinical explanation of proteinuria in children.


Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Riley Pediatric Nephrology & Kidney Diseases

4.8 out of 5 stars (123 ratings)
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11725 N Illinois St
Carmel, IN 46032

317.274.2563

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Riley Pediatric Nephrology & Kidney Diseases

4.7 out of 5 stars (222 ratings)
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575 Riley Hospital Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46202

317.274.2563

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Departments Treating This Condition

Departments Treating This Condition

  • Nephrology & Kidney Diseases
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