Difference Between Glomerular and Tubular Proteinuria

 

	Glomerular Proteinuria	Tubular Proteinuria
Location	Glomerulus (part of the kidney)	Renal tubules (part of the kidney)
Mechanism	Increased glomerular permeability	Impaired tubular reabsorption
Protein Types	Primarily albumin (large proteins)	Various low molecular-weight proteins
Urine Protein	High levels	Variable levels
Selectivity	Selective proteinuria (mostly albumin)	Non-selective proteinuria
Clinical Features	Edema, hypoalbuminemia	Polyuria, electrolyte abnormalities
Renal Pathology	Glomerular damage	Tubular dysfunction
Causes	Glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, systemic lupus erythematosus	Tubular damage, acute tubular necrosis, drug-induced nephrotoxicity
Diagnostic Tests	Urine protein electrophoresis, urine protein-to-creatinine ratio	Urine microscopy, renal biopsy
Treatment	Treat underlying cause, manage symptoms	Treat underlying cause, supportive care

 

It’s important to note that glomerular and tubular proteinuria can coexist in some kidney diseases, and a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause. Additionally, the clinical presentation and management may vary depending on the specific condition and individual patient factors. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.