Polymeric albumin in the urine of patients with nephrotic syndrome.

Dimer and polymer albumin was detected in the urine of a proportion of pantients with a nephrotic syndrome. Most of it was present as S-S bonded dimer and polymer; co-polymers, however, with IgG and alpha (1) anti-trypsin could be demonstrated. It is suggested that albumin polymerizes after it has passed the glomerular membrane. Albumin dimer was associated mainly with minimal change disease and early membranous glomerulopathy in patients, who in general responded well to therapy.