Nephrotic syndrome laboratory findings: Difference between revisions
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==Laboratory Findings== | ==Laboratory Findings== | ||
The following are baseline, essential investigations | The following are baseline, essential investigations: | ||
* Urine | * Urine samples show [[proteinuria]]. The samples may also be examined for active casts; which is more a feature of active nephritis. | ||
* [[Hypoalbuminemia]]: albumin levels in blood < 30g/L | * [[Hypoalbuminemia]]: albumin levels in blood < 30g/L | ||
* High levels of [[cholesterol]] ([[hypercholesterolemia]]), specifically elevated [[Low density lipoprotein|LDL]], usually with concomitantly elevated [[Very low density lipoprotein|VLDL]] | * High levels of [[cholesterol]] ([[hypercholesterolemia]]), specifically elevated [[Low density lipoprotein|LDL]], usually with concomitantly elevated [[Very low density lipoprotein|VLDL]] | ||
* The classic Maltese cross pattern is evident in fatty casts with [[polarized microscopy]] because of the [[birefringence]] of the lipid. Maltese crosses are due to cholesterol, which is increased in nephrotic syndrome. | * The classic Maltese cross pattern is evident in fatty casts with [[polarized microscopy]] because of the [[birefringence]] of the lipid. Maltese crosses are due to cholesterol, which is increased in nephrotic syndrome. | ||
* Electrolytes, urea and [[creatinine]] (EUCs): to evaluate renal function | * Electrolytes, urea and [[creatinine]] (EUCs): to evaluate renal function | ||
Tests to rule out various causes may include the following: | Tests to rule out various causes may include the following: | ||
*[[Glucose tolerance test]] | *[[Glucose tolerance test]] | ||
*[[Antinuclear antibody]] | *[[Antinuclear antibody]] | ||
| Line 21: | Line 21: | ||
*[[VDRL]] serology | *[[VDRL]] serology | ||
*Serum protein [[electrophoresis]] | *Serum protein [[electrophoresis]] | ||
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests: | This disease may also alter the results of the following tests: | ||
*Urinary casts | *Urinary casts | ||
*Serum iron | *Serum iron | ||
Revision as of 20:14, 6 June 2013
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Laboratory Findings
The following are baseline, essential investigations:
- Urine samples show proteinuria. The samples may also be examined for active casts; which is more a feature of active nephritis.
- Hypoalbuminemia: albumin levels in blood < 30g/L
- High levels of cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), specifically elevated LDL, usually with concomitantly elevated VLDL
- The classic Maltese cross pattern is evident in fatty casts with polarized microscopy because of the birefringence of the lipid. Maltese crosses are due to cholesterol, which is increased in nephrotic syndrome.
- Electrolytes, urea and creatinine (EUCs): to evaluate renal function
Tests to rule out various causes may include the following:
- Glucose tolerance test
- Antinuclear antibody
- Rheumatoid factor
- Cryoglobulins
- Complement levels
- Hepatitis B and C antibodies
- VDRL serology
- Serum protein electrophoresis
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
- Urinary casts
- Serum iron