[Determination of proteinuria in children: changes in results according to the methods used (author's transl)].

Five methods for determination of proteinuria are compared : gravimetry, colorimetry (bromocresol green, Biuret test, Lowry's test), opacimetry (sulfosalicylic acid). Determinations were performed on normal urine, overloaded with albumin or gammaglobulins or on abnormal urine, after varying several parameters (pH, osmolarity, glucose, fructose, red blood cells, hemoglobin. leukocytes, germs). Some methods give non linear results depending on the concentrations (gravimetry, sulfosalicylic acid, bromocresol green). Some systematically give over-results (Biuret test, Lowry's test). Some almost exclusively determine albumin levels (bromocresol green, sulfosalicylic acid). In some, results are altered by glucose or fructose (Biuret, Lowry) or by red blood cells (Biuret, Lowry, sulfosalicylic acid). None of the tested methods can be used as a reference method. The method using sulfosalicylic acid is suitable for routine determination; however, results should be interpreted according to the parameters mentioned above.