Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
A CT scan produces clear pictures of bones, muscles, tissue, organs, blood vessels and the brain that a regular X-ray cannot show.
Proteinuria
We develop individualized plans to treat proteinuria, help you preserve your kidneys and avoid complications
Proteinuria means protein in the urine. Careful evaluation of your symptoms can lead to early diagnosis of kidney problems or disease, allowing you to get treatment before complications develop.
Healthy kidneys typically do not allow protein to pass from the blood into the urine. In proteinuria, however, the kidney’s filtering structures fail to block protein from entering the urine. It may pass and not cause harm. Fever or exercise can cause it.
However, it can also suggest that you have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Left untreated, chronic kidney disease can lead to kidney failure (end-stage renal disease).
In its early stages, proteinuria has no symptoms. Experts detect it through laboratory tests. When kidney disease advances, your urine may appear foamy and you may develop swelling (edema) of the face, hands, abdomen or feet. Proteinuria signifies declining kidney function in people with diabetes or hypertension.
How We Can Help
IU Health provides expert diagnosis and treatment of all types of kidney disease. Through a close affiliation with Indiana University School of Medicine, we have access to the most innovative approaches to chronic kidney disease and other problems.
If you need the services of other specialists, such as urologists, we connect you with experts through the IU Health referral system. We help you to avoid kidney damage and maintain a high quality of life.
Understanding Proteinuria
Healthy kidneys typically do not allow protein to pass from the blood into the urine. In proteinuria, however, the kidney’s filtering structures fail to block protein from entering the urine. It may pass and not cause harm. Fever or exercise can cause it.
However, it can also suggest that you have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Left untreated, chronic kidney disease can lead to kidney failure (end-stage renal disease).
In its early stages, proteinuria has no symptoms. Experts detect it through laboratory tests. When kidney disease advances, your urine may appear foamy and you may develop swelling (edema) of the face, hands, abdomen or feet. Proteinuria signifies declining kidney function in people with diabetes or hypertension.
How We Can Help
IU Health provides expert diagnosis and treatment of all types of kidney disease. Through a close affiliation with Indiana University School of Medicine, we have access to the most innovative approaches to chronic kidney disease and other problems.
If you need the services of other specialists, such as urologists, we connect you with experts through the IU Health referral system. We help you to avoid kidney damage and maintain a high quality of life.
Proteinuria is a symptom rather than a disorder. We find and treat underlying causes. Techniques that we use include:
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Test
If there is protein in your urine, we check your kidney function with a test that estimates your glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Glomeruli are tiny structures in the kidneys that filter waste.
This test tells us how well they are working. This test begins with a blood sample, which we analyze in a laboratory to determine your level of creatinine, a waste product that results from muscle movement and from protein in your diet. To determine your GFR, we look at the creatinine level alongside factors such as your age, gender and body size. GFR decreases with age.
Imaging
We look for the reasons for protein in your urine using ultrasound. Your radiologist may begin with intravenous pyelogram, a type of X-ray procedure that uses contrast dye to make the urine and any blockages visible.
Your radiologist then may use techniques such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) to further investigate any masses.
Kidney Biopsy
A sample of your kidney tissue taken by needle or minor surgery can help your physicians diagnose kidney problems causing proteinuria or hematuria. In the most common method, you lie on your stomach and we insert a needle into your back.
You receive local anesthetic and light sedation before the procedure. We use ultrasound or another imaging technique, such as X-ray, to guide the needle to the correct place. It takes about 30 seconds to collect a tissue sample. Learn more about kidney biopsy.
We may need several samples. In some cases, we use another procedure to obtain the sample, depending on your condition and needs. For example, we may make an incision (cut) in your skin to obtain the kidney tissue. This procedure typically takes place under general anesthesia.
Treatment
Proteinuria is a symptom rather than a disorder. We find and treat underlying causes. Techniques that we use include:
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Test
If there is protein in your urine, we check your kidney function with a test that estimates your glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Glomeruli are tiny structures in the kidneys that filter waste.
This test tells us how well they are working. This test begins with a blood sample, which we analyze in a laboratory to determine your level of creatinine, a waste product that results from muscle movement and from protein in your diet. To determine your GFR, we look at the creatinine level alongside factors such as your age, gender and body size. GFR decreases with age.
Imaging
We look for the reasons for protein in your urine using ultrasound. Your radiologist may begin with intravenous pyelogram, a type of X-ray procedure that uses contrast dye to make the urine and any blockages visible.
Your radiologist then may use techniques such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) to further investigate any masses.
Kidney Biopsy
A sample of your kidney tissue taken by needle or minor surgery can help your physicians diagnose kidney problems causing proteinuria or hematuria. In the most common method, you lie on your stomach and we insert a needle into your back.
You receive local anesthetic and light sedation before the procedure. We use ultrasound or another imaging technique, such as X-ray, to guide the needle to the correct place. It takes about 30 seconds to collect a tissue sample. Learn more about kidney biopsy.
We may need several samples. In some cases, we use another procedure to obtain the sample, depending on your condition and needs. For example, we may make an incision (cut) in your skin to obtain the kidney tissue. This procedure typically takes place under general anesthesia.
National Kidney Foundation
This nonprofit provides health guides on many kidney-related topics including proteinuria.
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Proteinuria
This site, a service of the U.S. federal government, explains the causes, diagnosis and management of proteinuria.
Resources
National Kidney Foundation
This nonprofit provides health guides on many kidney-related topics including proteinuria.
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Proteinuria
This site, a service of the U.S. federal government, explains the causes, diagnosis and management of proteinuria.