Albuminuria

Albuminuria is a pathological condition wherein albumin is present in the urine. It is a type of proteinuria.

=Measurement= The amount of protein being lost in the urine can be quantified by collecting the urine for 24 hours, measuring a sample of the pooled urine, and extrapolating to the volume collected.

=Causes= The kidneys normally do not filter large molecules into the urine, so albuminuria can be an indicator of damage to the kidneys. It can also occur in patients with long-standing diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes.

Causes of albuminuria can be discriminated between by the amount of protein excreted.


 * The nephrotic syndrome usually results in the excretion of about 3.0 to 3.5 grams per 24 hours.
 * Nephritic syndrome results in far less albuminuria.
 * Microalbuminuria (between 30 and 300 mg/24h, mg/l of urine or µg/mg of creatinine ) can be a forerunner of diabetic nephropathy.

= Treatment = There is some evidence that dietary interventions (to lower red meat intake) can be helpful in lowering albuminuria levels.