$Unique_ID{BRK00686}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is the Presence of Protein in Urine Dangerous?}
$Subject{urine protein test child Special Procedures procedure Laboratory
Tests lab test urinary albumin orthostatic proteinuria kidney disease
glomerular nephritis}
$Volume{P-16}
$Log{
Cross Section of the Kidney*0004901.scf
Kidney Nephrons*0004902.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is the Presence of Protein in Urine Dangerous?


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QUESTION:  I am concerned about a recent finding in my child's urine during
her yearly check up.  Could you please explain in terms an anxious mother
would understand?  Is the presence of protein in my child's urine dangerous?

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ANSWER:  Not usually.  Excretion of a small amount of urinary protein is
normal, the quantity varying depending on posture and activity level.  The
important words for an anxious mother are that this laboratory finding often
occurs in completely normal children.  In healthy children, more than one gram
of albumin is filtered by the kidneys every 24 hours.  Most of that amount is
reabsorbed into the bloodstream; children excrete between 100 and 200
milligrams of protein daily.  The presence of albumin in the urine tends to
increase following vigorous exercise, when the child has a fever or is
emotionally upset, or simply when the child is standing upright.
     To be sure the level of protein in your child's urine is safe, a dipstick
urinalysis at your doctor's office is advisable at least once a year for the
child's first six years.  If the test reveals excessive amounts of protein
excreted only when the child is upright, there may still be no cause for
worry:  orthostatic proteinuria, the name for the condition when other factors
are normal, is almost always benign, although the condition itself may persist
for decades.
     Heavier rates of protein excretion can sometimes indicate more serious
forms of kidney disease, such as glomerular disease or nephritis.  If this is
the case, however, I'm sure your physician would advise you of the fact, and
begin other investigations and tests to determine the exact diagnosis and
promptly begin the appropriate treatment.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.