Definition
Heavy urinary protein loss causes low blood albumin.
Symptoms
Leg or facial swelling, weight gain and foamy urine.
How it may be discovered
Assessment of swelling or detection of substantial proteinuria.
When to seek care
Seek prompt care. Chest pain, breathlessness or a suddenly swollen leg can indicate a clot complication.
Investigations and tests
Urine protein quantification, albumin, kidney function and cause-specific testing.
Reaching a diagnosis
This is a syndrome with several possible causes; kidney biopsy is often considered.
Treatment options
Treat the cause, control swelling and protect kidney function. Infection and clot prevention depend on individual risk.
These kidney guides are educational. Medical kidney disease may require coordinated care with a nephrologist.
Explore this topic further
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