Interpretation of 24-Hour Urinary Protein Level for Diagnosis of Nephrotic Syndrome in Marked Hypoalbuminemia

Nephrotic syndrome is a common renal problem in childhood and is characterised by generalised oedema, massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia and hyperlipidemia. There are various laboratory methods to quantify proteinuria. Among them 24-hour urinary protein estimation is considered a gold standard for diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic range proteinuria is considered when 24-hour urinary protein is more than 40 mg/m2/hr. There is scarce literature available regarding the changes in quantitative proteinuria when there is marked hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin less than 2.5 gm/dL). This series is about three patients of nephrotic syndrome (6 yers old male, 4 years old male and 5 years old male), having marked hypoalbuminemia and their 24-hour urinary protein level resulted into non-nephrotic range. All the patients underwent relevant physical, clinical examinations and laboratory blood and urine investigations(Haemoglobin, Mantoux test, chest x-ray, urine routine, urine culture and sensitivity, lipid profile, serum albumin and 24 hour urinary protein). All the cases were managed with Prednisolone and diuretics like Furosemide and were followed up till the subside of proteinuria and oedema conditions.