RESUMO
Proteinuria is a common finding on urinalysis and can occur in several conditions, ranging from benign to serious disorders. It is important to distinguish benign forms of proteinuria from proteinuria due to disorders which can cause permanent damage to the kidney or even death, if not diagnosed and treated appropriately. In renal insufficiency proteinuria is not only a marker of renal disease but it also predicts those patients at greatest risk for the development of chronic and progressive renal insufficiency. This effect of proteinuria on the progression of renal disease is independent of other risk factors. Abnormal increase in the urinary protein has also been linked to increased cardiovascular disease. It is therefore clear that proteinuria can be a serious manifestation of several diseases and methodical approach is required for appropriate management of patients with proteinuria