referral criteria from primary care - proteinuria
Last reviewed 10/2023
- in general referral to a nephrologist is indicated if significant proteinuria
(protein:creatinine ratio> 100 mg/mmol)
- however proteinuria > 50 mg/mmol may be significant if other features of renal disease are present (e.g. impairment of renal function, coexistent microscopic haematuria, hypertension, features indicating an underlying systemic disease) (1)
- other guidance suggests referral for
protein:creatinine ratio >100 mg/mmol, or >45 mg/mmol if co-existing microscopic
haematuria or estimated GFR <60mL/min (2)
- prot/creat ratio at levels <= 45mg/mmol then manage as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), according to stage
- if referring a patient for nephrology review then consider initiating other investigations such as renal tract ultrasonography, immunology (serum and urine protein electrophoresis, antinuclear antibodies, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, complements), and hepatitis B and C serology
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