Proteinuria describes a condition where protein from your blood is excreted in your urine. It’s definitely not normal, and in some cases, it can be quite serious, particularly if you excrete a lot of protein, a complication called nephrotic-range proteinuria.
At Houston Kidney Specialists Center, our team uses advanced testing to diagnose nephrotic-range proteinuria and uncover its underlying cause. In this post, learn more about this serious condition and what we can do to help manage it.
When most of us think of our kidneys, we think of the role they play in producing urine and preventing fluid buildup in our tissues. However, kidney function is far more complex than that.
Our kidneys’ main purpose is to filter our blood, removing excess fluids along with waste and byproducts while keeping important blood components, like protein, in circulation. If our kidneys are damaged or malfunctioning, some of that protein can escape through our urine. In fact, urine testing routinely checks for protein as a potential indicator of kidney problems like nephrotic syndrome.
The term nephrotic refers to nephrons, the tiny filtering units contained in your kidneys. Every nephron has a network of tiny blood vessels called the glomerulus. Nephrotic-range proteinuria refers to a very high level of protein in your urine — specifically, three grams or more per day.
Why measure protein? Protein plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, controlling blood pressure, preventing blood clots, supporting immune function, and transporting hormones, among other functions. While it’s not uncommon to have minor protein loss due to illness or as a result of strenuous exercise, nephrotic-range proteinuria usually means the kidneys are struggling and need medical attention from our nephrology experts.
Nephrotic-range proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome typically occur when the tiny glomeruli are damaged. Many issues can lead to nephrotic-range proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome, or increase your risk of developing the conditions, including:
Sometimes, the cause can’t be determined, a condition called idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.
Because symptoms can be subtle at first, many people don’t know they have proteinuria until routine urinalysis uncovers it. If you have any risk factors or chronic medical conditions that increase your risk, regular urinalysis and kidney function monitoring are essential for diagnosing the condition as early as possible.
Urinalysis is the first step in diagnosing nephrotic-range proteinuria by evaluating proteins in your urine sample. If your results indicate a high level of protein, we may order a urine collection over a 24-hour period to gain a more accurate measurement.
We also perform blood tests to evaluate levels of cholesterol and protein called albumin, which serve as potential indicators of nephrotic-range proteinuria.
Depending on your results, we may recommend diagnostic imaging or a kidney biopsy, a procedure in which a tiny tissue sample is removed for further evaluation in a lab. Biopsies provide in-depth information about your glomeruli, including the presence and extent of damage. These details allow us to tailor your treatment to your specific needs for optimal outcomes.
Most therapies focus on reducing protein loss, preserving kidney function, and addressing the underlying causes. Typically, treatment plans include lifestyle changes, like following a low-sodium diet, along with medication to address underlying issues such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and immune-related conditions. Ongoing monitoring ensures your therapy stays on track and is adjusted to meet your changing needs.
Nephrotic-range proteinuria is a serious sign that your kidneys need specialized attention from a skilled nephrologist. At Houston Kidney Specialists Center, our team provides comprehensive testing and personalized care plans to help manage proteinuria and kidney disease to improve both health and quality of life.
If you are having unusual symptoms, such as changes in your urine or your urine habits, or if you have risk factors for kidney problems, having an evaluation is the first step in getting critical treatment. To schedule your evaluation, request an appointment online or over the phone at our practice locations in Cypress and Houston, Texas, today.
