
Originally Posted by
sinista63
this is a tough one, bro. i'm guessing that the doc tested her protein via dipstick and that she test 2+ (going from the 100 mg/dL). the reason that the doc is asking for more lab work is that this test is not very specific as to what the disorder or disease may be. reasons for the proteinuria may be anything such as hypertension, infection, diabetes, lupus, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephrosis and other intrinsic renal diseases. benign reasons for proteinuria are getting the urine tested after exercise, fever, and orthostatic proteinuria (protein in urine is elevated when patient is standing and not when in a supine position). the reason that the doc can't suggest any preventative strategies is due to the fact that proteinuria is a symptom and not a disease. the cause of the proteinuria needs to be determined. increasing water consumption may not necessarily correct the proteinuria because if the gf does in fact have some type of renal disorder, extra water won't stop protein and albumin from spilling out into the urine. the easiest way to explain proteinuria is that there may be some type of inflammation or disorder preventing the functional units of the kidney from holding onto protein. its almost as if something is 'punching holes' in the kidney and the protein is spilling out. i highly suggest the gf following up with more tests. this is not something to ignore. if everything tests out fine, then perfect. but its better to make sure there is no serious reason for the proteinuria. good luck and keep us posted. i'm interested in finding out what transpires.