**Core Concept**
Glomerular hematuria is caused by damage to the glomeruli, which are the filtering units of the kidney. This damage leads to the presence of blood in the urine, along with other abnormalities. The key concept here is the distinction between glomerular and non-glomerular (or lower urinary tract) causes of hematuria.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In glomerular hematuria, the urine typically contains red blood cell casts, which are cylindrical structures composed of red blood cells and Tamm-Horsfall mucoprotein. These casts are formed in the distal convoluted tubule and are indicative of glomerular damage. Additionally, the urine may contain hemoglobin, myoglobin, or proteinuria, which are all signs of glomerular dysfunction. The presence of bacteria, leukocytes, or nitrites in the urine would indicate a non-glomerular (lower urinary tract) infection.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the presence of bacteria, leukocytes, or nitrites in the urine would indicate a non-glomerular (lower urinary tract) infection, not glomerular hematuria.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because hemoglobinuria (the presence of hemoglobin in the urine) can occur in both glomerular and non-glomerular conditions, and is not specific to glomerular hematuria.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because proteinuria (the presence of excessive protein in the urine) is a common finding in glomerular diseases, including glomerular hematuria.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When evaluating hematuria, it's essential to consider the patient's medical history, including exposure to analgesics, recent travel, or family history of kidney disease. A thorough physical examination and laboratory tests, including urinalysis and imaging studies, can help differentiate between glomerular and non-glomerular causes of hematuria.
**Correct Answer:** D.
Free Medical MCQs · NEET PG · USMLE · AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.