What are the expected urinalysis results in a 65-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, and impaired renal function, taking hydrochlorothiazide, simvastatin, glipizide, lisinopril, and aspirin, with a history of progressive lower extremity edema and increasingly difficult to control blood pressure?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 21, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Diabetic Nephropathy: The patient has a long history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, positive urine microalbumin concentration for 3 years, and progressively increasing creatinine levels, indicating kidney damage. The presence of edema, hypertension, and proteinuria (as suggested by the urinalysis results) further supports this diagnosis.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Nephrotic Syndrome: The patient's low serum albumin level (2.9 g/dL) and edema could suggest nephrotic syndrome, which can be a complication of diabetic nephropathy or other glomerular diseases.
    • Heart Failure: The patient's history of hypertension, edema, and difficulty controlling blood pressure could indicate heart failure, which can cause renal dysfunction and proteinuria.
    • Renal Artery Stenosis: The patient's increasing blood pressure and renal dysfunction could be related to renal artery stenosis, which can cause renovascular hypertension and kidney damage.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Vasculitis (e.g., ANCA-associated vasculitis): Although less likely, vasculitis can cause renal dysfunction, hypertension, and proteinuria, and can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
    • Obstructive Uropathy: The patient's increasing creatinine level and edema could be related to obstructive uropathy, which can cause renal failure and requires prompt intervention to prevent permanent damage.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Amyloidosis: The patient's long history of diabetes and renal dysfunction could suggest amyloidosis, a rare condition that can cause nephrotic syndrome and renal failure.
    • Membranous Nephropathy: The patient's proteinuria and renal dysfunction could be related to membranous nephropathy, a rare glomerular disease that can cause nephrotic syndrome.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.