Albuminuria corresponds to the presence of albumin in the urine, being indicative of renal problems, mainly.
Albumin is a protein responsible for various functions in the body, such as maintenance of osmotic pressure, pH control and transport of hormones, fatty acids, bilirubin and medications. In normal conditions, the kidneys prevent the elimination of the proteins in the urine, however, when the renal function is compromised, there is the passage of proteins, albumin mainly, from the blood to the urine. Thus, albuminuria can be classified according to extent of kidney injury in:
- Microalbuminuria, in which small amounts of albumin are found in the urine, which may mean that the renal lesion is still initial or a situational albuminuria, which occurs after intense physical exercise and in urinary infections, for example;
- Macroalbuminuria, in which large concentrations of albumin are observed, indicating a more extensive kidney problem.
When albumin concentrations in the urine are detected, the doctor usually requests a repeat examination after about 1 month to confirm the diagnosis. Urine albumin dosing is usually done by means of the 24-hour urine test, where all the urine produced by the person in one day is collected in a separate container and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Learn all about the 24-hour urinalysis.
Albuminuria can also be identified by means of a normal urine test, EAS, but this test does not indicate the amount of albumin in the urine, it only asserts the presence or absence of proteins, and it is requested to perform the 24-hour urine . See what the urine test looks like and how to do it.
The presence of albumin in the urine is considered normal when a concentration of less than 30mg in 24 hours is verified.
Causes of albuminuria
Albuminuria usually occurs due to kidney problems, such as glomerulonephritis or nephritis, but it can also happen due to:
- Heart problems;
- Hypertension;
- Diabetes;
- Rheumatism;
- Overweight;
- Advanced age;
- History of kidney disease in the family.
Albumin may also be present in the urine after intense physical exercise, urinary tract infections, fever, dehydration and stress and is called situational albuminuria. Usually albuminuria is asymptomatic, however the presence of foam in the urine may be indicative of the presence of proteins. See what causes foam in the urine.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment for albuminuria depends on its cause and is done according to the guidance of the nephrologist or urologist. In general, patients who present microalbuminuria respond satisfactorily to the drugs prescribed for the underlying disease. However, in more severe cases, protein replacement may be required. During treatment for albuminuria it is important to maintain a constant control of the blood pressure, because the increase of pressure can further damage the kidneys.
