One of the earliest signs of kidney dysfunction is the leakage of protein into the urine, medically termed proteinuria. Healthy kidneys filter waste and excess fluid, retaining essential proteins in the blood. When the filtering system is damaged, proteins escape and leak into the urine. This leakage can also increase the risk of kidney stones, which is why kidney stones and proteinuria often coexist.
Autoimmune antibodies attack the kidneys
Autoimmune diseases are a primary cause of proteinuria. Conditions like lupus nephritis, IgA nephropathy, and other forms of glomerulonephritis involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the kidney's filtering units. These filters, known as glomeruli, become inflamed and fail to prevent essential proteins from passing into the urine.
Prolonged inflammation from autoimmune conditions disrupts mineral balance in the urine, facilitating kidney stone formation. Disrupted renal control of uric acid and calcium can lead to crystallization and subsequent stone development. Early diagnosis and timely medical treatment are crucial in preventing kidney failure.
Uncontrolled diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes is a common cause of proteinuria. Elevated blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels within the kidneys, resulting in diabetic kidney disease. Over years, the filtering units thicken and stiffen, reducing their waste filtration efficiency. As these units weaken, they readily allow protein to leak into the urine.
Diabetes also impairs the body's processing of key minerals. Many individuals with high blood sugar excrete increased levels of calcium, uric acid, and oxalate in their urine. Concurrently, their bodies have lower concentrations of citrate, a natural stone inhibitor. This predisposition can lead to renal colic in diabetic patients. Poorly controlled diabetes can also result in more acidic urine, heightening the risk of uric acid stone formation.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Chronic high blood pressure exerts continuous pressure on the delicate kidney tissues. Over time, this pressure causes scarring, which weakens the filtering barrier. Once damaged, this barrier allows protein to leak into the urine. Uncontrolled high blood pressure also diminishes blood flow and oxygen supply to the kidneys, leading to further tissue damage.
As kidneys weaken, the mineral balance in the urine shifts. Calcium levels often rise, increasing the risk of calcium stone formation. Should kidney stones develop, they can further irritate the urinary system and elevate blood pressure, establishing a feedback loop where hypertension and kidney stones mutually exacerbate each other. Managing blood pressure is a crucial step in preventing both proteinuria and stone formation.
Congenital or hereditary kidney diseases
Some individuals are born with structural abnormalities or genetic kidney disorders. Examples include polycystic kidney disease, Alport syndrome, and congenital obstructions. Due to malformed kidneys or a genetic predisposition to weakness, proteinuria can manifest early in life.
These conditions can also impact urine flow or mineral processing. Poor drainage, recurrent infections, or abnormal tissue development can create favorable conditions for kidney stone formation. Individuals with congenital kidney disease typically require lifelong monitoring.
By Bao Bao (Source: Times of India)
