Protein in the urine, called proteinuria, is usually no cause for concern. It’s not uncommon for children to have a temporary rise in protein levels in the urine, which could be caused by:
- Dehydration
- Emotional stress
- Exposure to extremely cold temperatures
- Fever
- Strenuous exercise
But, when protein levels are consistently high, it can be a sign of an underlying disease, such as kidney disease. Conditions that can cause a sustained rise in the levels of protein the urine include:
- Amyloidosis
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Endocarditis (infection of the lining of the heart)
- Glomerulonephritis
- Heart disease
- Heart failure
- Hypertension
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Kidney infection
- Lupus
- Malaria
- Multiple myeloma
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Sarcoidosis (inflammatory disease that affects many areas of the body)
- Sickle cell disease
Symptoms of proteinuria can include:
- Decreased appetite
- Foamy urine
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Swelling of the face, abdomen, arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Weight gain, caused by fluid retention
University of Miami Health System pediatric specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions that can cause proteinuria. Our doctors closely work as a team to give your child comprehensive care and individualized attention.
Tests
Urine Tests (Urinalysis)
Your child’s doctor uses a urine test to check levels of protein in the urine.
Treatments
Management of Underlying Conditions
Treatment for ongoing proteinuria will depend on the underlying illness that’s causing high levels of protein to occur. Treatment may include stabilizing blood pressure with medicine, controlling blood sugar levels in children with diabetes, and other approaches. Pediatric nephrologists work as a team with other specialists to develop a treatment plan.
Why Choose UHealth?
Recognized for excellence in treating kidney conditions. We’ve been recognized for our expertise in dealing with acute renal replacement therapies in young children and infants, as well as the management of severe urinary tract obstruction in developing fetuses and in newborns. We work closely with our highly skilled pediatric urology team to deliver comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for your child.
In 2016, the state of Florida renewed our designation as a Comprehensive Chronic Kidney Failure Center (CCKFC). We are one of only three such centers in the state. Our program has consistently ranked among the nation’s top pediatric nephrology programs for the past nine years by U.S. News & World Report. We’re proud to have received the best rank in the state of Florida.
Pediatric Dialysis Unit provides kid-friendly care. Our Pediatric Dialysis Unit is one of the largest in the nation solely dedicated to children. We have eight hemodialysis stations, and our highly skilled nursing staff provides more than 3,000 treatments a year. Our pediatric nephrologists monitor each child to ensure they’re responding well to dialysis treatment, and we hold monthly multidisciplinary patient reviews in accordance with national guidelines. We also help connect children and families with essential psychosocial support during their treatment.
Pair Donor Exchange Program for kidney transplant. If your child needs a kidney transplant, we’re experts in transplant and follow-up care. Our Pair Donor Exchange Program can help shorten your child’s wait time for a kidney. This program increases the opportunity for children who are incompatible with a majority of donor kidneys to be transplanted. Because the child receives a kidney from a living donor, they will usually have a better outcome.
Annual Pediatric Nephrology Seminar held every March. Celebrating our 45th year in 2018, this unique international gathering of nephrology specialists is an important forum for exchanging the latest innovations and research findings in pediatric nephrology. Pediatric and adult nephrologists, pediatricians, internists, general practitioners, pediatric urologists, and transplant surgeons from throughout the United States and the world attend this annual event.
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