Protein or Blood in the Urine (Glomerular Disease)
Expert diagnostic evaluation of proteinuria and microscopic hematuria, including IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, and lupus nephritis.
What It Is
Healthy kidneys filter wastes while keeping vital blood cells and proteins inside the bloodstream. When the microscopic filtering units (glomeruli) become inflamed or structurally damaged, proteins like albumin leak into the urine (proteinuria), and microscopic red blood cells slip through (hematuria).
Why Your Doctor May Have Sent You
A routine urinalysis performed by your primary care physician or gynecologist uncovers trace or substantial protein or microscopic red blood cells that don't disappear after clearing an infection.
How Our Specialists Help
We perform a thorough immunological, serological, and microscopic evaluation to differentiate benign causes from serious glomerular kidney diseases (such as IgA Nephropathy, Membranous Nephropathy, FSGS, or Lupus Nephritis). When indicated, Dr. Hozayen coordinates kidney biopsy and administers targeted immunosuppressive or renoprotective treatments.
Diagnostic Workup & Testing
We avoid redundant testing by reviewing recent records first, ordering only targeted diagnostic studies:
- Quantitative 24-hour urine protein or spot Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio (UPCR)
- Manual urine sediment microscopy (evaluating red cell casts and dysmorphic RBCs)
- Autoimmune serologies: ANA, anti-dsDNA, complement levels (C3, C4), ANCA, anti-PLA2R
- Screening for viral nephropathies (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV)
- Coordination of percutaneous ultrasound-guided renal biopsy when required
Evidence-Based Treatment Pathways
Modern renal medicine focuses on preserving existing nephrons and preventing complications:
- Intensive proteinuria reduction with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone blockade
- Targeted immunosuppression (corticosteroids, mycophenolate, rituximab) for active glomerulonephritis
- Modern targeted agents (e.g., sparsentan, budesonide targeted-release for IgA nephropathy)
- Proactive cholesterol and cardiovascular management
Common Symptoms to Monitor
- Persistent foamy or frothy urine
- Tea-colored or cola-colored urine (gross hematuria)
- Puffiness around the eyes (especially in the morning)
- Unexplained swelling in the feet, ankles, or lower legs
When to See a Kidney Specialist
- Urinalysis shows 2+ or 3+ protein on multiple occasions
- Urine microscopy shows microscopic blood (RBCs) without a urinary tract infection
- Sudden swelling in your legs accompanied by foamy urine
- Known autoimmune disorder (like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) with kidney involvement