Haematuria

Question 1

Microscopic vs macroscopic haematuria

Answer 1

• Microscopic: > 10 RBC/µL

* Macroscopic: visible > 1,000,000 RBC/µL

Question 2

Causes of haematuria

Answer 2

• Artefact
• UTI
• Urological disease
	○ Calculi
	○ Tumour
	○ Stricture
	○ Trauma

• Renal disease

- Hypercalciuria (calcium crystal deposits cause non-glomerular microscopic haematuria)
- Thin basement membrane disease
- Alport syndrome
- GN (IgA, HSP, others)
- Coagulopathy/bleeding disorder

• Non-urinary

- Vaginal haemorrhage
- Rectal fissure

Question 3

What can masquerade as haematuria?

Answer 3

• Urate crystals are commonly present in the urine of newborn babies
• They can produce a red discolouration of the nappy (“brick dust” appearance) which is sometimes mistaken for blood.