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Orthostatic proteinuria is a benign condition where urine contains slightly higher levels of protein throughout the day, commonly found in children and adolescents. No treatment is required, but follow-up appointments are advised to monitor any potential complications. Patients should inform healthcare professionals of their condition to avoid unnecessary concern.
Orthostatic proteinuria is a benign condition in which urine contains slightly higher levels of protein throughout the day. Normally, very small amounts of protein are present in the urine, but in these patients, urine tests with dipsticks may reveal a slightly higher than normal concentration. If they are evaluated and there are no obvious causes such as urinary tract infections or kidney damage, a doctor may develop a diagnosis of orthostatic or postural proteinuria. No treatment is required although it is advisable to monitor with follow-ups every year to determine if the patient is developing any problems.
This condition most commonly occurs in children and adolescents, although it can develop in adults. For unknown reasons, about 3% to 5% of the population lose some protein in their urine during the day while active; the term “orthostatic” means “upright” and means that the problem occurs when people are sitting and standing. These individuals may urinate slightly more frequently throughout the day and will also have a higher protein content in their urine. During the night, their urine output decreases and they have lower protein levels.
When proteins in your urine are identified during a routine physical or medical exam, they can be confirmed with laboratory tests, and your doctor may order additional urine tests to check for possible causes. For example, a child with a bladder infection would have higher protein in their urine and the infection should be identified and treated. If the obvious causes are eliminated and the doctor suspects orthostatic proteinuria, the patient may be asked for so-called split urine samples, taken at specific times during the day to collect day and night urine.
These samples should contain varying amounts of protein, indicating that the patient probably has orthostatic proteinuria. Doctors note the discovery so that protein discoveries in urine in the future do not cause alarm. Once a year, the patient may be asked to submit samples for a follow-up appointment to check for complications, in case her condition has developed into something more serious. Many people with orthostatic proteinuria have no problems.
People with this condition may want to let new healthcare professionals know. Because urinalysis is a common test in routine physical exams and used to learn more about new patients, high urine content is likely to be noticed and may be considered a cause for concern. Knowing about a previous history of orthostatic proteinuria can allow a doctor to determine if the urine sample is truly abnormal.
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