Proteinuria and C3, C4 Levels in Kidney Health

Q: Proteinuria and C3, C4 Levels in Kidney Health

God bless you. <br>Hello： Proteinuria can be classified into physiological and pathological types. <br>Physiological proteinuria may be related to factors such as posture, fever, or exercise, and it tends to occur transiently. <br>Pathological proteinuria, on the other hand, requ

Issues related to C3 and C4?

Hello, whenever I engage in more physical activity, I experience proteinuria, which can reach as high as +++ (according to URISCAN test results).
However, when I collected 24-hour urine at home and tested it with URISCAN, the result was negative.
My C4 level is low, while my C3 level is in the nineties, and my C4 is only around 14.
I'm unsure if this indicates that I have chronic nephritis.
Additionally, sometimes the URISCAN color is greener than negative but yellower than +/-.
How should I interpret this? I will be going to a major hospital for further examination soon, and I hope everything will be fine.

Lao Tian Bao You, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/08/07

Dr. Chen Qiunan reply Urology

God bless you.
Hello: Proteinuria can be classified into physiological and pathological types.
Physiological proteinuria may be related to factors such as posture, fever, or exercise, and it tends to occur transiently.
Pathological proteinuria, on the other hand, requires identifying the underlying cause.
Low levels of C3 and C4 typically indicate an issue with the complement system, which may be due to either a kidney problem or an autoimmune disease.
However, a single test cannot definitively indicate a problem, and additional relevant blood tests or imaging studies are necessary for further evaluation, and even a renal biopsy may be needed to determine the cause.
Therefore, it is recommended that you seek examination at a major hospital as soon as possible.
Wishing you health and happiness.

Reply Date: 2005/08/07

More Info

Understanding proteinuria and the significance of complement levels, such as C3 and C4, is crucial for assessing kidney health. Proteinuria, the presence of excess protein in urine, can be a sign of kidney dysfunction. It can occur due to various reasons, including transient factors like exercise, dehydration, or stress, as well as chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.

In your case, the fact that you experience proteinuria primarily during increased physical activity suggests that it may be a transient or exercise-induced phenomenon. This is not uncommon; physical exertion can lead to temporary increases in protein levels in urine, especially if the activity is intense. The 24-hour urine collection showing negative results indicates that, when not under stress, your kidneys are functioning normally regarding protein filtration.

Regarding your complement levels, C3 and C4 are proteins that play a role in the immune system and inflammation. Low levels of C4, especially in conjunction with normal C3 levels, can indicate various conditions, including autoimmune diseases or chronic inflammatory states. However, low C4 alone does not definitively indicate chronic kidney disease or glomerulonephritis (a type of kidney inflammation). It is essential to interpret these results in the context of your overall health, symptoms, and other laboratory findings.

The color variations you observe in the URISCAN test can be confusing. Typically, a negative result should show a specific color, while positive results will vary in intensity. If the color is between negative and positive, it may indicate a borderline result, which could warrant further investigation. It is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation, especially since you plan to visit a larger hospital for further testing.

In summary, while your transient proteinuria during physical activity may not be a cause for concern, the low C4 level should be monitored. It is advisable to discuss these findings with your healthcare provider, who may recommend additional tests or a referral to a nephrologist for a more in-depth assessment of your kidney function and overall health. Regular monitoring of your kidney function, including urine tests and blood tests for creatinine and electrolytes, will help ensure that any potential issues are identified and managed promptly.

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