Question: Can Hepatitis C Cause Protein in the Urine?
I saw a kidney doctor because I had protein in the urine. She said she couldn't be sure but thought it might be because I have hepatitis C (HCV). Can hepatitis C cause protein in the urine?
Answer: Yes. It is well known that an HCV infection can lead to protein loss in the urine (proteinuria) by the depositing of special type of antibodies called cryoglobulins in the glomerulus. This most often leads to a kidney disease called membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). However, the infection can also lead to other types of kidney disease such as a membranous nephropathy and mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. The most common kidney-related effects of HCV are proteinuria and a small amount blood in the urine (hematuria). Unfortunately, a significant number of people can go on to develop nephrotic syndrome and end-stage kidney disease.
Source:
Appel, Geral. “Secondary Glomerular Disease.” Brenner & Rector’s The Kidney 7th Edition. Ed. Barry M. Brenner. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2004. 1382-1443.