Can increased glomerular capillary permeability lead to hematuria?

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Last updated: February 9, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Yes, increased glomerular capillary permeability can lead to hematuria.

Causes of Hematuria

  • Hematuria can arise from anywhere along the urinary tract and is generally divided into nephrogenic and urogenic causes 1.
  • Renal parenchymal disease, such as glomerulonephritis, is a common benign nephrogenic cause of hematuria 1.

Glomerular Source of Hematuria

  • A glomerular source of hematuria is suggested by the presence of tea-colored urine, hematuria accompanied by proteinuria, red blood cell casts, and deformed red blood cells 1.
  • Increased glomerular capillary permeability can lead to the presence of red blood cells in the urine, resulting in hematuria.

Evaluation of Hematuria

  • The evaluation of hematuria begins with a meticulous history and physical examination, followed by a thorough evaluation of the urine 1.
  • Imaging evaluation, such as ultrasound, may be necessary to identify the cause of hematuria and assess the size of the kidneys 1.
  • In some cases, renal biopsy may be necessary for the diagnosis of renal parenchymal diseases causing hematuria, such as IgA nephropathy or Alport syndrome 1.

From the Research

Increased Glomerular Capillary Permeability and Hematuria

  • Increased glomerular capillary permeability can lead to the abnormal transglomerular passage of proteins and red blood cells, resulting in proteinuria and hematuria 2.
  • The severity of disruption of the structural integrity of the glomerular capillary wall correlates with the area of the glomerular barrier being permeated by "large" pores, permitting the passage of high-molecular-weight proteins and red blood cells into the tubular lumen 2.
  • In glomerular diseases, the increased permeability of the glomerular capillary wall can lead to hematuria, as seen in cases of diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis 3.

Mechanism of Hematuria in Glomerular Disease

  • The mechanism of hematuria in glomerular disease involves the deforming force of the red blood cell, the deformability of the red blood cell, the size of the gaps in the glomerular basement membrane, and the thickness of the glomerular basement membrane 3.
  • If the gaps in the glomerular basement membrane are larger than 0.25 micron, the stretching and retracting force of the internal chamber of the glomerular basement membrane, combined with the capillary pulse, can cause the deformed red blood cells to pass through the gaps and proceed to the urinary space 3.

Clinical Implications

  • Glomerular hematuria is a cardinal symptom of renal disease and may be classified as microhematuria or macrohematuria according to the number of red blood cells in urine 4.
  • Persistent glomerular microhematuria can contribute to the progression of renal disease, while gross hematuria or macrohematuria can promote acute kidney injury and impairment of renal function 4.
  • The presence of hematuria in patients with glomerular diseases can be indicative of increased glomerular capillary permeability and may require further evaluation and treatment 5, 6.

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.

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