Pathophysiology of Protenuria

The topic selected is proteinuria. The pathophysiology of proteinuria can be described
using two mechanisms. The first mechanism involves the increased permeability of the
glomerular capillary wall leading to the abnormal trans-glomerular passage of proteins
(Rosenstock et al., 2018). The second mechanism relates to the malfunctioning of the epithelial
cells in the proximal tubuli. Epidemiology of proteinuria indicates that the condition is common
in school-going children with a prevalence rate of between ten to fifteen percent (Wagner et al.,
1968). The condition is also common in obese patients with a prevalence rate of 43 percent in
obese patients (Rosenstock et al., 2018).
` Dipstick analysis is used as the most common physical exam that is used to examine
proteinuria. When proteins are absent, the dipstick panel indicates a yellow color. Proteins
interfere with the color of the solution, and the color turns green. False-negative results may
occur, especially with dilute urine (Carroll & Temte, 2000). The sulfosalicylic acid (SSA)
turbidity test is used as the differential diagnosis. The test greatly screens for proteinuria and is
highly sensitive to proteins (Carroll & Temte, 2000). Microscopic analysis of urine should be
done to ensure that proper diagnosis is arrived at. The amount of proteins excreted per day
should guide the diagnosis further (Carroll & Temte, 2000). Treatment and management of
proteinuria depend on the underlying condition. m Diabetes and hypertension patients with
proteinuria need drugs that control their blood sugar. Pregnant women who may be experiencing
preeclampsia should be closely examined (Carroll & Temte, 2000). The condition should clear
itself after the birth of the baby. Blood pressure medication should be prescribed to ensure that
kidney damage does not occur.

PROTENURIA 3

References

Carroll, M. F., & Temte, J. L. (2000). Proteinuria in adults: a diagnostic approach. American
family physician, 62(6), 1333-1340.
Rosenstock, J. L., Pommier, M., Stoffels, G., Patel, S., & Michelis, M. F. (2018). Prevalence of
proteinuria and albuminuria in an obese population and associated risk factors. Frontiers
in medicine, 5, 122.
Wagner, M. G., Smith Jr, F. G., Tinglof Jr, B. O., & Cornberg, E. (1968). Epidemiology of
proteinuria: a study of 4,807 schoolchildren. The Journal of Pediatrics, 73(6), 825-832.