| 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