Amorphous urates: what they are, what they mean and treatment

Amorphous urates are a type of crystal present in urine with a more acidic pH and/or more concentrated, especially after cooling the sample. This type of crystal usually appears together with other crystals, such as uric acid and calcium oxalate crystals.

The appearance of amorphous urate does not cause symptoms, and is only verified through a type 1 urine test. However, when there is a large amount of urate, it is possible to see a change in the color of the urine to pink, and it is important that the doctor is consulted to that an assessment be carried out.

Treatment for amorphous urate is carried out according to the cause of its appearance, and the doctor may recommend changes in eating habits, such as reducing the consumption of foods rich in protein or calcium, or specific treatment in the case of changes in the kidney or liver. .

How to identify

The presence of amorphous urates in the urine does not cause symptoms, and is identified through the type 1 urine test, the EAS, in which the sample from the second stream of urine is collected and delivered to the laboratory for analysis.

Through this exam, the pH of the urine is checked, which in this case is acidic, in addition to microscopically identifying the presence of amorphous urate and crystals, such as uric acid crystals and, sometimes, calcium oxalate. In addition, other characteristics of the urine are checked, such as the presence, absence and quantity of epithelial cells, microorganisms, leukocytes and red blood cells. Understand how the urine test is performed.

Amorphous urate is identified in urine as a type of granule that varies from yellow to black and is visualized microscopically in the urine. When there is a large amount of amorphous urate, it is possible that there is a change in the color of the urine, which may become more pink.

What means

The appearance of amorphous urate can occur in the following situations:

• Urine pH equal to or less than 5.5;
• High protein diet;
• Low water intake;
• Drop;
• Chronic inflammation of the kidney;
• Kidney stone;
• Gallstone;
• Liver disease;
• Severe kidney diseases;
• Diet rich in vitamin C;
• Diet rich in calcium;

Amorphous urate can also appear as a result of cooling the sample, because lower temperatures favor the crystallization of some of the urine components, resulting in the formation of urate. Therefore, it is recommended that urine be analyzed within 2 hours after collection and not refrigerated to avoid interfering with the result.

Is amorphous urate dangerous?

The presence of amorphous urate is not dangerous, however it is important that the doctor investigates the cause and, thus, it is possible to assess the need for specific treatment.

How the treatment is carried out

There is no treatment for amorphous urate but rather its cause. Therefore, it is important that the result of the urine test is analyzed together with the symptoms that may be being presented by the person and the results of other tests that may have been requested by the urologist or general practitioner so that the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.

If it is due to dietary issues, a change in habits is recommended, avoiding foods with a large amount of protein or rich in calcium. On the other hand, in the case of liver or kidney problems, in addition to adequate nutrition, the doctor may recommend the use of medicines according to the cause of the amorphous urate.

When amorphous urate is identified alone, without other changes in the EAS, it is possible that it is due to temperature variations or a long time between collection and analysis, and in these cases it is recommended to repeat the test to confirm the result.