Proteinuria in Hypertensive Nephropathy: A Review

Abstract

Hypertension defined as a systolic blood pressure of ≥140 and a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 is an extremely prevalent condition; and it is responsible for significant mortality and morbidity. NHANES data from 2005-2006 found that nearly 30% of adult US population has HTN; and nearly 8% of the population has undiagnosed HTN. HBP mortality in 2008 was 61,005. Any mentioned mortality in 2008 was 347,689 (NHLBI tabulation of NCHS mortality data). More than 20% of patients with systemic hypertension have chronic renal insufficiency (NHANES). Hypertensive nephropathy is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or transplantation or leading to death. The incidence of hypertension is high but only a subset of hypertensive patients progress to frank renal failure. A subset of hypertensive patients develop proteinuria during the course of disease and manifest nephrotic syndrome. This syndrome includes marked proteinuria, edema, and low serum albumin.