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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Hematuria and Hemoglobinuria?

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The main difference between hematuria and hemoglobinuria is the type of blood component present in the urine:

  • Hematuria: This condition involves the passage of red blood cells in the urine. It is caused by various factors, including infections, kidney stones, and certain cancers.
  • Hemoglobinuria: This condition involves the passage of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that gives blood its red color, in the urine. Hemoglobinuria can be caused by conditions such as malaria, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), burns, vasculitis, and transfusion reactions due to blood group incompatibility.

Both conditions can result in urine with a reddish tinge, but the presence of hematuria is typically associated with kidney or bladder issues, while hemoglobinuria is often linked to liver or spleen problems.

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  • What is the Difference Between Hematuria and Hemoglobinuria?
  • Comparative Table: Hematuria vs Hemoglobinuria

    • Comparative Table: Hematuria vs Hemoglobinuria

    The main difference between hematuria and hemoglobinuria is the cause of the red color in the urine. Here is a table comparing the two conditions:

    Feature Hematuria Hemoglobinuria
    Definition The passage of red blood cells with urine. The presence of hemoglobin in the urine, which can cause a reddish discoloration.
    Causes Urinary tract infections, ureteric stones, malignancies in the urinary tract, polycystic kidney disease, drugs such as warfarin, heparin, and aspirin, and systemic causes like bleeding disorders. Malaria, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, burns, different forms of vasculitis, and transfusion reactions due to blood group incompatibility.
    Color of Urine Red or pinkish hue, sometimes with visible red blood cells. Reddish-brown color, usually due to high concentrations of hemoglobin.
    Clarity Red blood cells are usually visible under a microscope, and a dipstick test may show microscopic hematuria. Hemoglobin may be visible under a microscope, and a dipstick test may show a positive blood test, but the urine sample is typically clear.

    Both conditions can result in a reddish discoloration of the urine, but they have distinct causes and require different diagnostic approaches.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.