What does it mean if urine microalbumin is high?

Elevated urinary microalbumin, also known as microalbuminuria, refers to albumin levels in the urine exceeding the normal range. This is usually an early sign of kidney dysfunction, as healthy kidneys typically prevent proteins from filtering out of the blood into the urine. Common causes are as follows: 1. Pathological factors: Various kidney diseases (such as diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, and nephrotic syndrome) and systemic diseases such as hypertension and hyperuricemia can lead to elevated urinary microalbumin. This occurs because the kidney's filtration function is impaired, allowing proteins from the blood to leak into the urine. 2. Infectious factors: Inflammatory conditions such as urinary tract infections and cystitis may also cause increased urinary microalbumin. 3. Physiological factors: Consumption of a high-protein diet, intense physical exercise, or contamination of the urine sample with menstrual blood or vaginal discharge can lead to falsely elevated urinary microalbumin levels. When elevated urinary microalbumin is detected, regular monitoring is recommended.