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Urology (Expert Forum)
Protein in urine
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Protein in urine
by ellerzy, Nov 24, 2003 12:00AM
Hello,
I am a 42 y/o female with a congenital hx. of urinary reflux to the left kidney due to a partial accessory ureter. Surgery was performed to correct the the problem at age 16. I have since had a hx. of chronic microscopic hematuria and UTIs. Whenever I have a routine urine tests I am told to consult a urologist in regard to the blood in my urine. I have had voiding cystograms, kidney scan, and IVPs that show nothing (last about 5 years ago). Assuming the condition is benign, I now ignore my internist or OB/GYN when she tells me to check out the hematuria with a urologist because they never find anything. For the last 2-3 years I have had a 3+ read of protein in my urine which I have basically ignored. I usually only get symptoms of discomfort a few days before menses. Should I be concerned about the protein? After reading the recent news of NBA star, Alonzo Mourning's retirement due to focal glomerulosclerosis, my husband is concerned. Perhaps this condition I have could be benign or could it be symptoms of an undiagnosed problem or one brewing? Is there a particular test that would rule out a problem without going through all the procedures I have had before? Do you think this could be a problem (like kidney disease) that could show up later when it's a bit late to remedy? Please advise?
With Sincere Thanks,
Mrs. Rhonda Wilder Maddox
I am a 42 y/o female with a congenital hx. of urinary reflux to the left kidney due to a partial accessory ureter. Surgery was performed to correct the the problem at age 16. I have since had a hx. of chronic microscopic hematuria and UTIs. Whenever I have a routine urine tests I am told to consult a urologist in regard to the blood in my urine. I have had voiding cystograms, kidney scan, and IVPs that show nothing (last about 5 years ago). Assuming the condition is benign, I now ignore my internist or OB/GYN when she tells me to check out the hematuria with a urologist because they never find anything. For the last 2-3 years I have had a 3+ read of protein in my urine which I have basically ignored. I usually only get symptoms of discomfort a few days before menses. Should I be concerned about the protein? After reading the recent news of NBA star, Alonzo Mourning's retirement due to focal glomerulosclerosis, my husband is concerned. Perhaps this condition I have could be benign or could it be symptoms of an undiagnosed problem or one brewing? Is there a particular test that would rule out a problem without going through all the procedures I have had before? Do you think this could be a problem (like kidney disease) that could show up later when it's a bit late to remedy? Please advise?
With Sincere Thanks,
Mrs. Rhonda Wilder Maddox
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Nov 28, 2003 12:00AM
, Nov 28, 2003 12:00AM
3+ protein in the urine warrents further evaluation. Causes can include simple infections to a variety of kidney disorders (i.e. glmerular disorders, diabetes etc.).
Evaluation would include quantifying the amount of protein that is excreted - most likely during a 24-hr urine collection. Another likely test that would be helpful would be a kidney ultrasound to identify any obvious masses or disorders that may be causing the protein in the urine. If all the tests are negative, a kidney biopsy would be the most conclusive test.
In any case, I would suggest a referral to a nephrologist (kidney specialist) for further evaluation and discussion of the aforementioned tests.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Evaluation would include quantifying the amount of protein that is excreted - most likely during a 24-hr urine collection. Another likely test that would be helpful would be a kidney ultrasound to identify any obvious masses or disorders that may be causing the protein in the urine. If all the tests are negative, a kidney biopsy would be the most conclusive test.
In any case, I would suggest a referral to a nephrologist (kidney specialist) for further evaluation and discussion of the aforementioned tests.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Member Comments
by bamafan69, Jan 09, 2004 12:00AM
To: Kidney
0
