Content
Microalbuminuria is a situation in which there is a small change in the amount of albumin present in the urine. Albumin is a protein that performs various functions in the body and that, under normal conditions, little or no albumin is eliminated in the urine, because it is a large protein and is not able to be filtered by the kidneys.
However, in some situations there may be increased filtration of albumin, which is then eliminated in the urine and, therefore, the presence of this protein may be indicative of kidney damage. Ideally, urine albumin levels are up to 30 mg / 24 hours of urine, however when levels between 30 and 300 mg / 24 hours are seen it is considered microalbuminuria and, in some cases, an early marker of kidney damage. Learn more about albuminuria.
What can cause microalbuminuria
Microalbuminuria can happen when there are changes in the body that alter the glomerular filtration rate and the permeability and pressure within the glomerulus, which is a structure located in the kidneys. These changes favor the filtration of albumin, which ends up being eliminated in the urine. Some of the situations in which microalbuminuria can be checked are:
- Decompensated or untreated diabetes, because the presence of large amounts of sugar in the circulation can lead to inflammation of the kidneys, resulting in injury and alteration of its function;
- Hypertension, as the increase in pressure can favor the development of kidney damage that can result, over time, in kidney failure;
- Cardiovascular diseases, this because there can be alteration in the permeability of the vessels, which can favor the filtration of this protein and elimination in the urine;
- Chronic kidney disease, as there is a change in kidney activity, which can stimulate the release of albumin in the urine;
- Food rich in protein, as there may be overload in the kidneys, increasing the pressure in the glomerulus and favoring the elimination of albumin in the urine.
If the presence of albumin in the urine that is indicative of microalbuminuria is verified, the general practitioner or nephrologist may indicate the repetition of the test, to confirm the microalbuminuria, in addition to requesting the performance of other tests that assess kidney function, such as creatinine in the 24-hour urine and glomerular filtration rate, making it possible to check whether the kidneys are filtering more than normal. Understand what the glomerular filtration rate is and how to understand the result.
What to do
It is important that the cause associated with microalbuminuria is identified so that the most appropriate treatment can be indicated and it is possible to prevent more serious damage to the kidneys that may interfere with its proper functioning.
Thus, if microalbuminuria is a consequence of diabetes or hypertension, for example, the doctor may recommend the use of drugs that help treat these conditions, in addition to recommending regular monitoring of glucose levels and blood pressure.
In addition, in the case of microalbuminuria being a consequence of excessive protein consumption, it is important that the person consult a nutritionist so that changes are made in the diet in order to avoid overloading the kidneys.