Why is my protein / creatinine ratio so high?

Q: I am 37 years old and had blood test done recently where my protein / creatinine ratio was found to be extremely high (21.897). The reference range was upto 0.2. I was fasting at that time. All other counts were normal. Would being a vegetarian affect this value? Are there any other factors or conditions that could affect this?

A:Urine protein / creatinine ratio reflects the amount of protein in the urine and avoids the need to do a 24 hours urine collection. I guess you do not have any symptoms and this is the only abnormality in the clinical examination. If it is so, I would recommend a repeat urine protein / creatinine ratio or 24 hours urine protein estimation. Urine protein / creatinine ratio of more than 2.5 is equivalent to 3.5 gms of protein in 24 hours urine and points to a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome, for which a kidney biopsy would be required.