Albuminous urine (albuminuria or proteinuria) means that albumin—a plasma protein normally retained by healthy kidneys—appears in the urine. In a healthy individual, the glomerular filter blocks virtually all albumin, so urine albumin excretion is 300 mg albumin/day (uACR >300 mg/g)—indicates morRead more
Albuminous urine (albuminuria or proteinuria) means that albumin—a plasma protein normally retained by healthy kidneys—appears in the urine. In a healthy individual, the glomerular filter blocks virtually all albumin, so urine albumin excretion is 300 mg albumin/day (uACR >300 mg/g)—indicates more advanced glomerular damage.
Detection is by a urine dipstick (qualitative) followed by quantitative measurement of albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) or 24-hour urine collection.
Clinically, albuminuria:
• Often asymptomatic—foamy urine and peripheral edema may occur as levels rise.
• Serves as both a marker of kidney disease progression and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events.
• Guides therapy—ACE inhibitors or ARBs are first-line to reduce albuminuria and slow kidney damage.
There are two broad categories of abortion: 1. Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), in which the body naturally ends a pregnancy before fetal viability (usually before 20–24 weeks). 2. Induced abortion, the deliberate termination of a pregnancy by medical or surgical means. Induced abortions break doRead more
There are two broad categories of abortion:
1. Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), in which the body naturally ends a pregnancy before fetal viability (usually before 20–24 weeks).
2. Induced abortion, the deliberate termination of a pregnancy by medical or surgical means.
Induced abortions break down into two main types:
• Medical abortion uses prescription pills—most often mifepristone followed by misoprostol—to halt pregnancy development and expel uterine contents. It’s approved up to about 10 weeks’ gestation, and can be clinician-supported in-person or via telehealth, or self-managed at home. Medical abortion accounts for over half of U.S. terminations and carries a low (< 2%) complication rate.
• Surgical abortion employs instruments to remove pregnancy tissue. The most common first-trimester procedure is vacuum aspiration (manual or electric), generally done up to 14 weeks. In the second trimester (roughly 12–24 weeks), providers typically use dilation and evacuation (D&E), which combines cervical dilation with suction and surgical instruments to clear uterine contents.
In rare late-term situations (after about 20–21 weeks), a labor-induction abortion may be performed: medications induce contractions to deliver the fetus and placenta. Fewer than 1% of U.S. abortions occur this late, usually for severe fetal anomalies or maternal health risks.
See less