What does elevated urinary microalbumin in children indicate?
Elevated urinary microalbumin in children indicates some degree of kidney function impairment. Specific details are as follows:
Under normal circumstances, the glomerular filtration membrane prevents proteins from passing into the urine. However, if kidney function is impaired and the glomeruli's filtering capacity declines, proteins may leak through the glomerular filtration membrane into the urine, leading to increased urinary albumin levels and resulting in proteinuria, which manifests as elevated microalbumin in the urine. Kidney damage may be caused by conditions such as chronic nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, or renal insufficiency. It is recommended to undergo timely further examinations to establish a clear diagnosis and initiate targeted treatment.
Children with even trace amounts of proteinuria should seek medical attention promptly to prevent disease progression and potential adverse effects on their normal growth and development.