| Definition | Presence of excessive protein in the urine due to glomerular damage | Presence of excessive protein in the urine due to tubular dysfunction |
| Mechanism | Increased glomerular permeability or damage leading to protein leakage into the urine | Impaired reabsorption of filtered proteins by the renal tubules |
| Protein Types | Primarily albumin (selective proteinuria) or other low molecular weight proteins | Various proteins, including higher molecular weight proteins (e.g., immunoglobulins, enzymes) |
| Urine Protein Levels | Usually higher levels of protein in the urine (nephrotic range proteinuria) | Lower to moderate levels of protein in the urine (non-nephrotic range proteinuria) |
| Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio | Elevated albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) | Typically lower albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) |
| Associated Conditions | Glomerular diseases (e.g., glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy) | Tubular disorders (e.g., Fanconi syndrome, renal tubular acidosis) |
| Urine Sediment | May have red blood cells, cellular casts, and lipid droplets in the urine sediment | May have tubular epithelial cells, renal tubular epithelial cell casts in the urine sediment |
| Serum Albumin Levels | Decreased serum albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia) | Generally normal serum albumin levels |
| Edema | Often associated with generalized edema (swelling) | Usually absent or minimal edema |
| Lipid Abnormalities | Commonly associated with dyslipidemia and hyperlipidemia | Generally no specific lipid abnormalities |
| Renal Function | Variable impact on renal function, ranging from preserved to impaired | Tubular dysfunction may contribute to electrolyte imbalances and acid-base disturbances |
| Response to Treatment | May respond to specific treatments targeting the underlying glomerular disease | Treatment focuses on managing the underlying tubular dysfunction and associated conditions |
| Prognosis | Depends on the underlying glomerular disease and response to treatment | Depends on the underlying tubular disorder and response to treatment |
Biology Ease Staff asked 2 years ago