Proteinuria on U/A may suggest underlying renal disease; however, it may be present for benign reasons as well:
A very concentrated urine (SG ≥ 1.020)
Alkaline urine (pH ≥ 7.5)
Presence of mucoproteins
Acute illness
Benign processes almost never produce proteinuria above 1+.
If proteinuria is detected in the ED in an asymptomatic patient:
Have the patient f/u with PMD for repeat u/a within 1-2 weeks
Recommend checking a first morning urine sample and urine protein: creatinine ratio (to rule out orthostatic/transient proteinuria).
If proteinuria persists or is evident on first morning urine sample, then a renal biopsy may be indicated.
Chemistry panels, CBC’s, renal ultrasound, and 24-hour urine collection rarely change the plan.
Chandar J, Gomez-Martin O, del Pozo R, et al. Role of routine urinalysis in asymptomatic pediatric patients. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2005; 44:44-48.
Hogg RJ, Portman Rj, Milliner D, Lemley KV, Eddy A, Ingelfinger J. Evaluation and management of proteinuria and nephritic syndrome in children recommendations from a pediatric nephrology panel established at the National Kidney Foundation Conference on Proteinuria, Albuminuria, Risk, Assessment, Detection, and Elimination (PARADE). Pediatrics. 2000; 105: 1242-1249.
