What does urinalysis typically reveal in nephritic syndrome?

Urinalysis in nephritic syndrome typically reveals the presence of red blood cell (RBC) casts. This finding is significant because nephritic syndrome is characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli, which can lead to hematuria (the presence of blood in the urine). During this inflammatory process, red blood cells enter the tubular system of the kidneys, and if they aggregate and are molded into the shape of the renal tubules, they appear as casts in the urine.

The identification of RBC casts helps to differentiate nephritic syndrome from other types of renal conditions, particularly nephrotic syndrome, which is primarily associated with significant proteinuria rather than hematuria or RBC casts. The presence of these casts is a key diagnostic marker in the evaluation of nephritic syndrome, reflecting underlying glomerular injury and inflammation.

In contrast, other findings such as higher protein levels, while sometimes present, are typically not as prominent as in nephrotic syndrome. Glucosuria indicates the presence of glucose in the urine, which is usually associated with diabetes mellitus rather than nephritic syndrome. The presence of bacteria points to a urinary tract infection, which is not characteristic of the nephritic process itself but can coexist with various renal conditions.