Proteinurea/ Bleeding Kidneys

March 22, 2002

From: Hob@...

Date: Mon Mar 27, 2000 3:27 pm

Subject: Proteinuria

Another question came up with my Rheumy appt this morning -- protein in urine.

Proteinuria...doc said I have a factor of about 970 protein in urine.

Anything over 200 indicates kidney damage of some sort. The closer the

number is to 3000 the closer the patient is to kidney failure.

Since my kidneys stopped bleeding the number has stayed at 970 for over three

months. I get another 24-hour test in April and hope it is the same or

lower. As long as it is stable it means the kidneys are healing or have

settled into whatever function they have left after prior damage -- they are

not being damaged further.

In a 24 hour test they also measure the amount of creatinine in the urine

versus the creatinine in the blood. That also tells if the kidneys are

functioning normally or not.

The 24-hour test numbers can be different from the 1/4 cup at the lab

samples. My doc has a 24-hour test every month. (Plan not to go anywhere

that 24 hours!!)

If your doc finds protein in your urine, ask what the number is and what it

means. If it is over 200 make sure that he is doing regular tests to be sure

it is stable. If it increases you may need to see a nephrologist (kidney

specialist).

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