Proteinuria (from protein and urine) means the presence of an excess of serum proteins in the urine.

Proteinuria is a symptom of either renal (kidney), urinary, or pancreatic distress. Since serum proteins are readily reabsorbed from urine, the presence of excess protein indicates either an insufficiency of absorption or an excess of production. Proteinuria is frequently a symptom of diabetes mellitus.

With severe proteinuria general hypoproteinemia can develop and it results in diminished oncotic pressure (ascites, edema, hydrothorax).

Proteinuria is a leading symptom of:

• nephrotic syndromes
• eclampsia
• toxic lesions of kidneys

Related topics

• albuminuria
• microalbuminuria