Clinical Information

Orthostatic proteinuria refers to the development of increased proteinuria that develops only when the person is upright and resolves when recumbent or supine. This condition is usually seen in children, adolescents, or young adults, and accounts for the majority of cases of proteinuria in childhood.

Orthostatic proteinuria usually does not indicate significant underlying renal pathology, and is usually not associated with other urine abnormalities such as hypoalbuminemia, hematuria, red blood cell casts, fatty casts, etc. Orthostatic proteinuria typically resolves over time.

This test evaluates for this condition by demonstrating either significant proteinuria, even while supine, or normal protein excretion. Significant proteinuria, even while supine, suggests that the patient does not have orthostatic proteinuria while normal protein excretion supports the diagnosis. This test is typically done on three consecutive mornings to provide more robust support for the diagnosis.