• Proteinuria can result from glomerular disease, tubular disease of excess plasma proteins
• Nephrotic syndrome occurs if proteinuria is heavy and plasma albumin falls.
• In nephrotic syndrome, the kidneys retain sodium and water causing edema.
• Nephrotic syndrome can be complicated by infection, hyperlipidemia, renal impairment and edema.
• Proteinuria in pregnancy can be a sign of pre eclampsia.

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The Nephrotic Syndrome
Orth SR, Ritz E 1998
N Engl J Med 338 1202-1211

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C. A. O'Callaghan 2004