Dr. Lam Author of
|
|
|
|
How Well Do Your Kidneys Function?
A new study indicated that high protein levels in urine could warn those who are at risk for kidney failure about trouble. Serum creatinine measures the waste product of the kidneys, allowing researchers to tell how well the kidneys are working. Now, protein levels in the urine can help better predict risk than just the creatinine.
Glomerular filtration, how well the kidneys remove waste from the body, allows experts to differentiate chronic kidney disease. Lower eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration) and higher proteinuria levels are linked to higher rates of heart attacks, kidney failure, and death compared to those with higher eGFR and normal proteinuria levels.
Other studies have shown that lowering protein levels in the urine for those with diabetes and normally high protein was correlated with slowing down the progression of kidney disease.
SOURCE: Brenda R. Hemmelgarn, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor, medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Martin Zand, M.D., Ph.D., professor, medicine and medical humanities, and medical director, kidney and pancreas transplant programs, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, N.Y.; Kerry Willis, Ph.D., senior vice president, scientific activities, National Kidney Foundation; Feb. 3, 2010, Journal of the American Medical Association
Vitamin C and Kidney Stones
|
|
