The urgent call of albuminuria/proteinuria

PREVIEW

The importance of early detection of and intervention in kidney disease cannot be understated. Studies demonstrate that if renoprotective therapies are initiated early, a patient can live a normal life span without developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Consequently, proteinuria, which typically serves as the first evidence of progressive kidney disease, demands the understanding and attention of primary care physicians. In this article, Drs Hebert, Spetie, and Keane review the mechanisms, testing methods, and clinical significance of proteinuria. Management of proteinuric patients with renal disease or at risk for cardiovascular disease is also explored.