albuminuuria

Albuminuria refers to the presence of an abnormally large amount of albumin in the urine. Albumin is a protein normally found in the blood, and healthy kidneys are designed to filter it out, keeping it in the bloodstream. When the kidneys are damaged, they may begin to leak albumin into the urine. This leakage is often an early sign of kidney disease, particularly diabetic nephropathy, which is damage to the kidneys caused by diabetes. High blood pressure is another common cause of kidney damage that can lead to albuminuria.

The presence of albumin in the urine can be detected through urine tests. A simple dipstick test can indicate the presence of protein, but a more sensitive test, such as a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), is often used to quantify the amount of albumin present. A normal UACR is typically less than 30 milligrams of albumin per gram of creatinine. Albuminuria is often categorized as microalbuminuria (30-300 mg/g) or macroalbuminuria (greater than 300 mg/g), with higher levels indicating more significant kidney damage.

Detecting and managing albuminuria is crucial for preventing the progression of kidney disease. Treatment typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause, such as controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes or managing blood pressure. Medications, like ACE inhibitors and ARBs, are often prescribed to help protect the kidneys and reduce albuminuria. Regular monitoring of urine and kidney function is important for individuals with or at risk of kidney disease.