What abnormal laboratory finding is often seen in a patient with nephrotic syndrome?

In nephrotic syndrome, one of the hallmark features is significant proteinuria, which is the presence of an abnormally high level of protein in the urine. This condition typically results in the loss of large amounts of proteins such as albumin through the kidneys. As a result, patients with nephrotic syndrome often present with hyperproteinuria, meaning that their urine contains an excess of protein. This abnormal finding is primarily due to increased permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier, which allows proteins that are normally retained in the bloodstream to escape into the urine.

The presence of hyperproteinuria in nephrotic syndrome can lead to further complications, such as hypoalbuminemia (low levels of albumin in the blood), edema, and increased susceptibility to infections. Therefore, identifying hyperproteinuria as an abnormal laboratory finding is critical in diagnosing and managing nephrotic syndrome.