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What might be contributing to proteinuria and other renal issues?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I do not have any symptoms, but I have attached the results of my recent blood test. C4 complement 0.50, erythrocyte sedimentation rate 37 mm/hour, C-reactive protein 46.6 mg/L, creatinine 141 μmol/L, albumin 39.4 g/L, aspartate transaminase 12 U/L, urine protein 3+ (300 mg/dL), microalbumin random 2060, microalbumin creatinine ratio 79.2 mg/g. I just recently went for a blood test, and they said I was losing a lot of protein, but they are unable to say why. I wanted to know a bit urgently as my family is very worried. Please review my results and suggest.

Hello,

I am glad you chose our platform for your medical-related queries.

I can understand your concern.

Please answer my questions below.

  1. May I know the reason for these tests?
  2. Was there any reason or symptom that prompted you to do these tests?
  3. Were you experiencing any infections in the last one to two months for which you were taking medicines or painkillers?
  4. Did you notice any significant swelling in your feet or ankles in the last few days?
  5. Did you observe any decrease in your urine output in the last few days?

Regarding the reports, you have significant proteinuria, which is in the nephrotic range. Your ultrasound also indicates slight damage to the kidney, but fortunately, the size and structure remain intact. It most probably appears to be an acute event triggered by something that has occurred in less than two months. The best diagnosis will be achieved by performing a renal biopsy to determine the exact cause of renal issues. I suggest you start taking medications that reduce proteinuria, such as steroids or ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers), although ARBs may worsen kidney function at this time.

CRP (C-reactive protein) is 46, which is very high. ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is also elevated, indicating ongoing inflammation in your body. Taking any unnecessary medications now might worsen your renal condition. I would like you to inform me of your medical history from the past two months. Even a small clue would be helpful. What you have is likely acute glomerulonephritis, which could be post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Did you have a throat infection three weeks ago? Or membranous nephropathy? Primary or secondary should be determined based on biopsy.

You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.

Thank you for consulting me.

The Probable causes

The probable causes include Streptococcal infection or the use of herbal medicines or painkillers.

Investigations to be done

The investigations to be conducted include repeating all tests in three days, performing a renal biopsy, testing ASO titer, and checking urine for RBC (red blood cells) casts.

Differential diagnosis

The differential diagnosis includes AKI (acute kidney injury), acute glomerulonephritis, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, and membranous nephropathy.

Probable diagnosis

The probable diagnosis includes post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and membranous nephropathy.

Treatment plan

The treatment plan involves observation and avoiding any medications.

Regarding follow up

Please connect for a call discussion, which will help you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you again for your time; I greatly appreciate it.

Hi,

Welcome back to our portal.

Please schedule an appointment.

You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.

Thank you for consulting me.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At June 22, 2024
Reviewed AtApril 30, 2026

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