High altitude changes in mountaineers part B: Trace proteinuria in student mountaineers

Abstract

Urinary protein excretion was recorded in student mountaineers of Banaras Hindu University during expedition II, III and IV of the University mountaineering centre. 19, 22 and 23 members participated in the second, third and fourth expeditions respectively. Proteinuria in traces was noted in 2 (10.52%), 3 (13.63%) and 3 (13.04%) students on expedition II, III and IV and all these students were passing more than 150 mg% of protein per day on protein quantitation. Only one student on the third expedition had biochemical hypoalbuminemia (S. albumin 2.8 Gm%). No evidence of a significant celluria or crystalluria was noticed and only 1 and 2 patients on the third and fourth expeditions were passing hyaline casts (4 to 5/HPF) in the urine.