sky high protein in his urine

[racingheart]

Took DS to doc this morning because he'd been unwell for a week. Expected to be dismissed with the usual, 'They all have viruses at this time of year' as he'd had sickness and headaches. But she took a urine sample and said his protein was almost off the scale high. No blood in it though, and no high blood pressure, thank god.

i sent him back to school after doc and am supposed to be working but am just feeling sick with anxiety. Does anyone know what this might be? Has anyone's DC had this symptom and it turned out to be nothing?

In what way has he been unwell? Just general cold-like symptoms?

Thanks for replying, Charlie

For the past week he's been barely sleeping and eating very poorly (normally has a healthy appetite.) Food intake is down by about 75%. Complains of constant stomach pains and mild nausea. Wants to be sick but hasn't been. Stomach is churning 'as though I'm worried about something but I'm not' he's said a few times. Bad headaches too, on and off all week. He says he feels well in the morning and lousy by teatime every day.

Can't settle to anything or enjoy anything. Was really looking forward to getting back to school and seeing his friends after half term and has come home in tears the days he's been at school, asking when he'll feel well again as he doesn't have the energy for anything. He's been off school for half the week.

bump :(

What did the gp say about the protein in urine? Has she ordered any further tests?

Usually they have to test further than just BP. Without tests, they cannot rule out say renal infection or heart issues. Could you call back to ask what next?

She's done another urine sample. Not sure what will happen next. He ate one bite of his favourite dinner tonight then burst into tears. He's so fed up of feeling ill.

High levels of protein in the urine in children can indicate a kidney problem. Boys of this age do not usually get urine infections did your GP call the paediatricians for advice? If not I would call the out of hours GP for further advice- this should not be ignored over the weekend

Thanks trixgus. He had no other symptoms of infection - that's what puzzled her. Temperature was OK, though had been a bit high earlier in the week. If he's no better tomorrow I'm taking him to A & E.

If infection there would usually be white cells or nitrites in the urine- not protein by itself. High levels of protein with non specific symptoms of being unwell needs further investigation urgently to exclude kidney problems such as nephrotic syndrome. Please take a further urine sample to the out of hours GP in the morning- if still showing high levels of protein he will need a blood test to check his kidney function. Hope he is ok- let us know how you get on.

Hi racingheart what was the outcome of your child's protein in his urine please?

In case this helps anyone our eldest had nephrotic syndrome. Happy to chat.

@Wolfiefan

In case this helps anyone our eldest had nephrotic syndrome. Happy to chat.

Thank you so much 😊 My DS had a urine sample dipped on Friday and it came back with 3+ protein in his urine. I have been asked to re do the Urine test this week and catch it Mid stream as I did it as soon as he started peeing into the pot and doc said quite often it's the contamination of debris that's been in their bits that makes a high protein reading. He didn't seem concerned how ever I and worrying myself sick with googling about Nephrotic syndrome 😰 Can I ask about your sons symptoms and diagnosis please?

Please don’t Google!! You’ll find nothing but worst case scenarios!!
My eldest was a toddler. He had a swollen belly and nursery then called later that day to say he was swollen when they did a nappy change. Went to GP. GP said he thought it was nephrotic syndrome.
On to A and E. stupidly high bloody pressure. Continued swelling. At one point he was in adult diapers and not peeing at all.
Steroids slowly sorted it.
BUT every time we tried to wean him off steroids he would relapse. Eventually we tried a course of a different drug. This was under advice of specialists in London. St Thomas??
He’s now 18 going off to TKD tonight and getting a level results tomorrow. No relapse now for 15 years.
Wishing you well.

He definitely needs to check his kidney function Op. I’m surprised the GP didn’t order an urgent blood test combined with the nausea (I have kidney problems). Ask for a kidney function test ASAP.

@LifesTooShortYOLO my DS has nephrotic syndrome. If your DS has that too please be reassured that for many children it’s easily controlled with medication.