I had proteinuria and leukocytes in urine at 1+ (twice) a urine culture for infection was negative. what else could be the cause? i'm currently being investigated for lupus due to lots of other symptoms. could it be that or something else? thanks?

Urine cultures are not always accurate, and when symptoms are caused by anaerobic bacteria , may be invalidated by exposure to oxygen. Lupus could be contributing to the presence of increased protein and leucocytes as well. Ask the physician investigating possible lupus for guidance.

Proteinuria (mild) and leukocyturia are features of interstitial nephritis. Microscopic hematuria (blood in the urine) and proteinuria are most commonly present in SLE-related kidney disease (lupus nephritis). If repeat urine exam in 2 weeks confirms the abnormality and proteinuria is confirmed with quantitative method, kidney biopsy is indicated especially your kidney function is abnormal.

I suspect there is no urinary tract infection in view of the negative culture. In this case and in view of your age, I would like to see a 24 hour urine for measurement of total protein and a urine electrophoresis and immunofixation to check for.multiple myeloma.or amyloidosis. Discuss with your physician.

With a negative urine culture and no UTI symptoms your chances of infection are near nil. There are many other reasons forWBC in urine. Proteinuria is probably from something affecting your Kidney. Suggest a repeat mid-stream clean catch urinalysis to verify findings. Good luck