Are urine leukocytes the same as urine protein?
Feb 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xinju
Introduction
Urinary leukocytes and urinary protein are different. Under normal circumstances, white blood cells are only present in the blood; however, due to certain reasons, some white blood cells enter the urine, forming urinary leukocytes. Urinary protein refers to the detection of protein in the urine, which is normally absent or present only in trace amounts in healthy individuals. Elevated urinary leukocytes in routine urinalysis are commonly seen in urinary tract infections.
Urinary white blood cells and urinary protein are different.
Under normal circumstances, white blood cells exist only in the bloodstream. However, due to certain reasons, some white blood cells may enter the urine, forming urinary white blood cells. Urinary protein refers to the presence of protein in the urine; normally, there is no protein or only trace amounts in a healthy person's urine.
Elevated urinary white blood cells in routine urinalysis are commonly seen in urinary tract infections. The main symptoms of this condition include frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, fever and back pain may occur. Some patients may develop perinephric abscesses or localized kidney tissue necrosis. In severe cases, sepsis or infectious shock can develop. Antibiotic therapy should be administered as directed by a physician, such as cefradine capsules, cloxacillin sodium injection, or azithromycin dry suspension.
Additionally, elevated urinary white blood cells can also be observed in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease that may cause multi-system damage, including anemia, joint pain, hair loss, oral ulcers, and kidney dysfunction. Immunosuppressive agents should be used under medical guidance, such as tacrolimus capsules, prednisolone tablets, and azathioprine tablets.
Symptoms of high urinary protein include increased foaming in the urine and edema. Medications such as cyclosporine, prednisone tablets, and levofloxacin capsules may be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
