Epithelial cells cover the surface of a woman's body, mucous membranes, including the urinary ducts. When urine moves through the ureters, kidneys, organs of the genitourinary system.

It comes into contact with the mucous membrane, sometimes cells enter the urine, are found in its sediment under a microscope.

What is the epithelium in urine?

Cells divide, quickly replenish their number. They protect the body from the ingress of foreign microorganisms, household injuries. Have healthy woman there are such cells in the urine, but there is a specific content rate for the types of epithelium. If the norm is exceeded, there is a suspicion of diseases of the organs of the urinary system.

Large amounts of squamous epithelium may result from improper collection of urine

Sometimes the deviation is caused not by pathology, but by medicines, which the doctor needs to take into account when interviewing the patient. An increase in the level of cells can indicate pregnancy, kidney disease.

The reasons are as follows:

• urethritis, cystitis - inflammatory processes provoked by viruses, bacteria, fungi;
• nephropathy (accompanies late toxicosis, while flat, renal, transitional epithelium, erythrocytes, cylinders are secreted);
• autoimmune, drug-induced nephropathy. Most often, drug-induced nephropathy is provoked by Analgin. In the first trimester, it is contraindicated due to the negative effect on the formation of the heart and blood vessels of the fetus. From the second trimester, the medication can be taken if the doctor permits, but there is a risk of kidney damage.

Other reasons due to which squamous epithelium is found are not associated with pathologies. This is neglect intimate hygiene, improper collection of urine for analysis.

Types of epithelial cells

1. Flat. It gets from the urethra, vagina. Of particular importance in relation to diagnosis, it does not, but it can signal an infection in the urinary ducts.
2. Renal. Signals of damage to the renal parenchyma, the presence of circulatory disorders or infectious pathologies (nephrosclerosis, pyelonephritis, tuberculous necrosis). In a woman, this type of cells is not secreted.
3. Transition. Lines the ureters, urinary tract, bladder, renal pelvis. If the level of the transitional cell type is increased, the doctor may suggest kidney stones, cystitis, pyelonephritis.

Analysis of the results

According to the norms, the number of squamous epithelium in a pregnant woman will reach 5 units per 1 field of view. There should be no renal, but a unit is allowed, as well as a transitional type.

If the number of cells in the urine is higher than the indicated norms, an inflammatory process of the urinary tract can be suspected. To clarify the diagnosis, you should take an analysis. In addition to the number of cells, laboratory assistants pay attention to indicators, a combination of several parameters will indicate a disease:

Deviations require additional, detailed research. The pregnant woman will be prescribed an analysis according to Nechiporenko, tests to identify the main pathologies. It is important to follow the doctor's recommendations on time in order to exclude health complications.

The rate of epithelium in urine during pregnancy

A pregnant woman needs to visit a gynecologist, take a number of tests to make sure that the child and her health are in order. The minimum number of epithelial cells is considered normal. When increasing, differentiate urethritis, pyelonephritis, cystitis. To exclude bad tests, you need to correctly collect urine:

• wash the genitals well, dry with a napkin, clean towel;
• insert a tampon into the vagina to prevent mucus from getting into the container with urine;
• the analysis will need urine, which is released in the morning, before breakfast, immediately after waking up;
• take clean dishes for collection. You need to use a sterile container that is sold by pharmacies. It has a place for a sticker with a name, a tight lid closes, preventing germs from entering;
• the analysis should be delivered to the technician faster.

Women are warned that urine analysis cannot be taken during menstruation - the results may be distorted. The ban does not apply to pregnant women, they do not have menstruation.

When the doctor needs to get an accurate analysis, excluding the entry of external contaminants, he catheterizes, collecting material from the bladder.

Epithelium is common during pregnancy. Urination becomes more frequent, the epithelium sloughs off, but does not have a pathological effect on the well-being and health of a woman. The growing uterus is able to move the kidneys, ureters, squeeze the organs of the urinary system.

This provokes changes in the test result, while there are no other pathologies. If the indicator exceeds the norm, we are talking about inflammation (urethritis). The anatomy of the female genitourinary system determines the very rapid spread of infectious pathogens, therefore, with poor analyzes, you need to act quickly. If you start the course of the disease, it will turn into pyelonephritis, cystitis, etc.

Finding epithelial cells in urine during pregnancy is not in itself a cause for concern. However, an increased number of structures or the presence of renal particles may indicate the presence of diseases of the urinary system. During pregnancy, there is an increase in blood flow to the uterus, hormonal levels change, so the risk of developing pathologies of nearby organs increases.

Types

There are 3 types of epithelial cells that can be found in urine:

1. Flat. In women, the mucous membranes of the external genital organs and the urethra are lined.
2. Transient. Mainly covers the tissues of the bladder, as well as a small area of ​​the urethra.
3. Renal. Line the surface of the tubules.

Depending on the type of epithelium and in the presence of other deviations, the doctor can draw conclusions about the localization of the disease.

Norm

The rate of epithelium in urine during pregnancy is lower, because while carrying a child, the risk of developing diseases of the genitourinary system increases. For women, the total indicator should not exceed 6 units in the field of view.

When decoding, it is important to take into account the type of epithelium, because the permissible rate depends on it:

1. Flat cells. The norm is 0-5 units in the field of view. They are found in large quantities, because are regularly renewed due to mechanical stress and enter the urine from the surface of the external genital organs. In pregnant women, borderline concentrations are often detected due to frequent urination.
2. Transitional cells. The norm is no more than 1 unit in the field of view. Occasionally they enter the urine from a small area of ​​the urethra. A single detection has no diagnostic value, however, the regular presence of several structures may indicate the presence of pathology.
3. Renal cells. Normally they are not found. Their presence always indicates kidney damage.

In the presence of specific symptoms and complaints, the identification of borderline values ​​may be the reason for the diagnosis.

Reasons for deviations

The detection of a significant amount of epithelium during the study is most often associated with the following diseases:

1. Urethritis. It is an inflammatory process that occurs in the urethra. Most often it occurs as a result of bacterial infection, but it can appear against the background of the formation of calculi in the urinary system. It is accompanied by pain, itching and burning. The unpleasant sensations increase during urination. With urethritis, an increased concentration of squamous cells occurs.
2. Cystitis. This is an inflammation of the bladder that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, chemicals, an unwanted reaction from the immune system, etc. More often it has an infectious nature. It is accompanied by pain when urinating, frequent urge, urinary incontinence and other symptoms. With inflammation of the bladder, many flat and transitional cells are found in the urine.
3. Pyelonephritis. This is a kidney disease that most often develops as a result of the spread of bacteria in cystitis or urethritis. With inflammation, patients are worried about pain in the lumbar region, heat(up to + 40 ° C), migraine, vomiting, nausea, etc. The urine may turn brown. This indicates a deep tissue damage. With pyelonephritis, renal epithelial cells are found in urine.
4. Kidney stone disease. It is characterized by the formation of calculi. With illness, the patient's temperature rises, pain occurs, and sediment is found in the urine. Sometimes there is partial or complete obstruction. When moving and passing through the urinary tract, stones damage the mucous membranes of the entire system. In urine, epithelium of all types is detected.
5. Other infections and diseases affecting the genitourinary system. These include STDs, tuberculosis, etc.

The discovery of a large amount of squamous epithelium may be associated with poor hygiene. If the procedures are carried out too often, the mucous membranes of the external genital organs become dry. As a result, cells slough off more actively. The situation is aggravated by the use of detergents. If the procedures are carried out rarely, the epithelium accumulates on the surface of the genitals. A large number of structures enter the urine.

When making a diagnosis, other data obtained during research should be considered. It is necessary to carry out an ultrasound scan, bacteriological culture and a test according to Nechiporenko. When assessing a woman's condition, the concentration of leukocytes, erythrocytes, protein, the presence of mucus, crystals, bacteria, etc. is important.

What to do with increased

With an increased concentration of squamous epithelium, a retake is prescribed, because sample contamination is suspected. If the same indicator is obtained again or if other cells are present, additional studies are carried out. Depending on the results, the doctor makes a diagnosis and selects the optimal treatment regimen, taking into account the expected benefits for the mother and risks for the fetus.

For infectious diseases of the urinary system, antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal agents are included in the course of therapy. The type of drug depends on the strain of the pathogen and its resistance. Homeopathic medicines can be used to repair tissue, improve fluid circulation, and accelerate the elimination of pathogens and debris. With pain syndrome, antispasmodics are prescribed. If heavy bleeding occurs, hemostatic agents may be used, but their use is undesirable.

In case of kidney stones, the treatment regimen depends on the type of stones, their size and the patient's condition. To alleviate the condition, homeopathic remedies and antispasmodics can be used.

To prevent relapses and the formation of new calculi, a special diet is prescribed.

In advanced cases (with the development of necrosis, peritonitis, etc.), it can be carried out surgical intervention... Such methods are used only if there is a threat to the health and life of the mother.

With absence pathological causes increasing the concentration of the epithelium, its level is normalized some time after childbirth. This happens after the damaged tissue is restored. If, with borderline or slightly increased values ​​of flat cells, a woman does not develop specific symptoms, the indicators can be considered a variant of the norm.

Squamous epithelium in urine during pregnancy is present normally, represented by single cells. An increase in its level mainly accompanies diseases of an inflammatory nature of both the urinary tract and the genital organs. However, during pregnancy, a number of conditions arise for its increased excretion.

Significance for clinical diagnosis

The diagnostic value of squamous epithelium, the excretion of its various quantities in the urine is determined by the origin. The epithelial layer lines many hollow organs. In women, it covers from the inside the mucous membrane of the urethra (urethra), the inner surface of the uterus, vagina, as well as the mucous surface of the large, small labia.

For women, unlike men, given the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the reproductive and urinary systems, the presence of a small amount of squamous epithelium is a health criterion.

During the gestation of a child, the female body experiences increased stress, the hormonal background changes, the conditions for maintaining water and salt metabolism. All functions of the kidneys and urinary system are maximally activated. The size of the uterus gradually increases, internal organs experiencing increasing physical pressure. As a result of the ongoing processes, there is a more intense exfoliation of the layers of the squamous epithelium of the urethra, genitals, which provides enhanced metabolic processes and maintenance of tissue viability.

Squamous epithelium is found in the study of urinary sediment as part of a general urinalysis. They are not a clear diagnostic criterion to confirm the presence of the disease. However, their significant number indicates precisely the inflammatory nature of the pathology.

Studies can also reveal other types of epithelium (transitional, renal).

The rate during pregnancy is the same for all periods of gestation. It is allowed to have 3-5 flat epithelial cells in the field of view (visible area under the microscope of a glass slide on which a urine smear is placed for research). The conclusion of the laboratory when detecting changes does not always contain an accurate quantitative indicator of the content of elements. If the counting of cells is extremely difficult, then it is indicated: there is a lot of squamous epithelium, covering the entire field of view.

The laboratory examines all indicators of urinary sediment, cellular epithelial elements

Reasons for the appearance

Not only for diseases of an inflammatory nature that affect the lower urinary tract and genitals, it is sharply characteristic elevated level squamous epithelium. This phenomenon can be observed in conditions associated with a complicated course of pregnancy, as well as with an exacerbation of previously developed kidney disease, or arising during any of the trimesters.

Main reasons:

• inflammation of the urethra (urethritis), bladder (cystitis) caused by bacteria, viruses, fungal infection;
• nephropathy of pregnant women (a manifestation of late toxicosis, in which a large number of flat, transitional, renal epithelium, erythrocytes are secreted, different types cylinders);
• medicinal, as well as autoimmune nephropathy.

Analgin (most common reason drug nephropathy) is categorically contraindicated during the first three months of pregnancy due to the high probability of a negative effect on the formation of the cardiovascular system of the fetus. Starting from the second trimester, it is possible to receive it under the supervision of a doctor, but it should be understood that there is a possibility of kidney damage, especially if there are previous diseases. The diagnosis of this damage is aided by the study of urine and the identification of a large amount of squamous epithelium.

In addition to diseases, many squamous epithelial cells are found in analyzes for reasons unrelated to pathology. This is, first of all, non-observance of the rules of personal hygiene, proper care of the external genitals. Also, if the material is taken incorrectly, there is a high probability of obtaining a large amount of squamous epithelium based on the results of the analysis.

Management tactics

If, during a routine examination of a pregnant woman, an increased number of squamous epithelial cells in the urinary sediment are revealed against the background of the absence of any clinical symptoms, then you need to make sure of the quality of the study. It is necessary to re-analyze with the exclusion of all factors that may be the cause of unreliable results. First of all, check compliance with the recommendations for the selection of material.

Basic rules for collecting urine:

• Collect urine in containers sold by the pharmacy chain.
• Examine the first (night) portion of urine per day.
• A thorough toilet of the external genital organs is performed immediately before urination.
• For the detection and counting of squamous epithelium, an average portion is collected, 100 ml is enough.
• Within 2 hours, the container must be delivered to the laboratory for research.

To obtain reliable results, it is necessary to collect urine in special sterile containers.

If the study is carried out twice, all the rules are observed, distorting factors are excluded, but at the same time changes in the analyzes are revealed, this is the basis for consulting a doctor. First, you need to contact an obstetrician-gynecologist who monitors the course of pregnancy. If necessary, a consultation of related specialists (nephrologist, therapist, rheumatologist) is carried out for additional examination.

Since not all diseases at the beginning of development have clear manifestations, the pregnant woman needs periodic studies throughout the entire period of bearing the child. Need to do general analysis urine before each scheduled visit to the antenatal clinic.

If changes are found against the background of symptoms indicating the possibility of diseases, then a visit to a doctor should be urgent.

Symptoms requiring urgent attention:

• increased body temperature;
• discomfort when urinating;
• pain in the abdomen, lower back;
• the appearance or growth of edema of the legs, face;
• fluctuations in blood pressure;
• deterioration in general condition, weakness.

In case of changes in well-being against the background of the pathology of urinary sediment, an urgent need to consult a doctor

In the future, the doctor prescribes a full examination, determines the amount of necessary therapy, tactics of pregnancy management.

Thus, the cells of squamous epithelium in the urine during pregnancy are a normal indicator, associated with the anatomical features of the female body. The presence of more than 5 elements in the general analysis indicates the likelihood of an inflammatory disease that develops in the urinary or genital tract, and also indicates the likelihood of a complicated course of pregnancy.

It is within the normal range, it is represented by separate cells. It can only increase during inflammation of the urethra or organs of the reproductive system.

But even at the time of pregnancy, conditions can be created for its enhanced release. The level of its content can be identified only by a general analysis of the biological fluid.

What is the epithelium?

The epithelium is the integumentary tissue skin, mucous membranes, organs of the reproductive and urinary systems.

Moving through the canal, urine is constantly in contact with the cells of the tissue surface. Almost always, they flake off and are excreted along with urine, later being detected using a microscope.

Urine analyzes have confirmed that this element is always present. The only difference can be different types cells and their number.

The epithelium does not represent anything serious, with its help you can only determine the pathological abnormalities that occur in the body.

Significance for clinical diagnosis

When carrying a baby, a woman's body experiences an increasing load, a change in hormonal levels, certain conditions under which water and salt exchanges take place. The functional capabilities of the paired organ and the ureter system are maximized.

The uterus begins to increase in size, pressure increases on the internal organs. As a result of this, cells of a flat appearance exfoliate much more intensively, the metabolism is more intense in order to maintain the vital capacity of tissues.

During the gestation period, the epithelium rate at all stages continues to remain unchanged. The presence of three to five cells in the field of view is considered acceptable.

Types of epithelium found in urine during pregnancy

It is customary to distinguish between three groups of tissues detected in the urine sediment using a microscope - flat, renal, transitional. Having decided on the type of cells in the urine, one can make an assumption about the most likely inflammatory diseases in a particular area. These diseases are most often referred to.

Flat

Pregnant women have the largest number of cells in the field of vision. They more quickly detach from the lining of the urethral canals, since urine excretion at the first and last stages is more frequent. Due to this process, the cells are intensively exfoliated, and the content of the flat epithelium in the biological fluid increases.

The reason for the deviation from normal rate an enlargement of the uterus is considered, which puts pressure on the urethra and changes the location of the paired organ. But it should be remembered that there should not be significant changes during pregnancy.

Significant deviations can be detected in inflammatory processes, which should be eliminated immediately, since the infectious process can spread quickly enough and affect all other organs of the system. Having found deviations in the analysis of the urine of a pregnant woman and having begun to suspect inflammation, the specialist is obliged to prescribe an in-depth examination in order to then draw up a therapeutic course.

Renal

Its second name is tubular, since it is the covering of the canals of the paired organ. In a healthy organism, such epithelium is not detected in the urine. In infants, the norm is one to ten cells in the field of view.

The presence of renal epithelium in people of any age category and during pregnancy confirms the fact that the urethral system is infected. This norm in pregnant women should be under control, which is why women have to be constantly examined, specifying the presence of the epithelium once every two weeks.

Transition

Treatment

If in the analysis of urine epithelial cells exceeded the normal level, the treatment course must be directed to eliminate the causes that caused a reaction of this nature. An experienced physician should diagnose and design a course of therapy.

Self-treatment is prohibited because it can have a negative effect on the body of the expectant mother and the developing fetus.

If nephropathy is detected, the woman is recommended to be hospitalized in order to organize permanent medical supervision for the performance of the kidneys. In this case, an appointment is made drugs that cannot harm the child. Should be taken in parallel.

Treatment is carried out until it becomes clear that the future delivery will take place without complications. If there are no changes in the direction of improvement, it is necessary to resolve the issue of the mode of delivery.

If cystitis or inflammation of the urethra is diagnosed, during treatment for better effect need to take antibiotics. In this case, drugs are selected that can have a direct effect on the urinary tract. Often, with cystitis, a woman undergoes a procedure that involves the introduction of antibiotics by a catheter method, which will go directly into the inflamed area.

With the development of candidiasis, local drugs are first prescribed - suppositories, cream, vaginal tablets. The therapeutic course may include general strengthening and immunomodulatory agents. In this case, it is recommended to prescribe therapy to a man in order to exclude the likelihood of re-injury.

During pregnancy, it can be a signal of development inflammatory diseases in the body of the expectant mother. This condition requires careful diagnosis and surgical treatment of the cause of the deviation in order to avoid serious consequences for the development of the fetus.

What is the epithelium

During pregnancy, the female body easily lends itself to the development of various diseases. Therefore, women, while carrying a child, are regularly tested, where Special attention paid to the amount of epithelium.

The number of the epithelium is determined through a general urinalysis. The epithelium is the integumentary tissue of the skin, mucous membranes, and urogenital organs. Passing through the urinary organs, urine regularly interacts with the cells of the upper layers of the tissue. Almost always, these cells flake off and are excreted in the urine, which can be detected in laboratory conditions at the microscopic level.

According to urine tests, this indicator will always be present. The only difference is the number of epithelial cells and their variety.

For the result to be reliable, you need to adhere to certain rules for collecting urine:

• rinse the genitals well and dry them with a napkin;
• it is necessary to collect the first morning urine;
• choose medium urine, about 50 ml;
• the vessel into which the analysis is collected must be sterile;
• deliver urine to the nearest laboratory within 2 hours.

By itself, the epithelium is not something significant, it only helps to determine the pathological processes occurring in the body.

Types of epithelial cells present in urine

In human urine, 3 types of epithelium are found:

• Flat. The most common shape is large, flat, round cells that do not have color. They can exist both in the form of glued layers and single structures. This form of epithelium is not observed in males without pathologies. A small amount of it can form in the lower part of the urethra, and this will indicate the presence of health problems. In women during pregnancy, it can settle in urine from the internal genital organs or the urinary tract.

• Transient. These cells have a yellowish tint, are characterized by a variety of shapes and parameters. This epithelium encompasses the renal pelvis, ureters, and the upper urethra. An increased number of transitional cells in urine tests can be a sign of pathologies such as cystitis, kidney stones, and pyelonephritis.

• Renal. In the analysis of a healthy person, these cells are not found at all. They arise from the renal tubules and are indicative of serious kidney problems. Most often, hemodynamic problems or infectious diseases are diagnosed.

The reasons for the increase in squamous epithelium in pregnant women

Carrying a child exposes the female body to great stress, including the work of the kidneys and urinary system. Immunity decreases, as a result of which the epithelium begins to exfoliate more intensively.

Usually, the norm for a woman is 3 units per field of view examined by a microscope. But in the analyzes of a pregnant woman, their number should not be more than 5 units.

It is also permissible to keep the transitional epithelium in a small amount - no more than one, and there should not be any renal epithelium at all.

An increased content of epithelial cells can speak not only of inflammation of the urinary system, it can also be associated with various complications during pregnancy or with an exacerbation renal pathologies that could have been diagnosed before pregnancy.

Squamous epithelium can increase for the following reasons:

• inflammatory processes in the urinary tract and urethra caused by various microorganisms;
• some types of nephropathy (often occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy);
• Berger's disease (an autoimmune disease in which immunoglobulin is deposited in the kidneys);
• treatment with certain medications, most often analgesics.

In addition, in higher doses, it may not be related to any pathologies. This happens when a woman does not follow the rules of personal hygiene, does not take proper care of the external genitals.

After the analysis has revealed excess epithelium, additional diagnostics should be performed in order to exclude the presence of diseases or begin treatment that is adequate for the development of the fetus and the pregnant woman herself.

Squamous epithelium in the genital tract

Squamous epithelium can enter urine from the genital tract. If no pathologies of the urinary system are detected, a smear is taken from the woman's genitals for analysis. The changes that come with female body when carrying a child, the vaginal microflora is also affected. In this case, the vaginal epithelium is formed in an increased amount.

It accumulates glycogen, which contributes to the production of lactic acid. With the approach of the generic process, the accumulation of the epithelium is more and more activated. This contributes to the formation of a barrier that protects the unborn baby from damage by pathogens.

The norm of epithelial cells of a smear corresponds to the parameters of 5–15 units per one field of view examined under a microscope.

Deviation from these indicators indicates various kinds of inflammation of the genital tract and problems with microflora.

If these deviations are accompanied by itching, swelling, curd discharge, this may mean that vaginal candidiasis develops - the most common pathology of pregnant women, when epithelial cells are found in a smear, and sometimes in urine.

Treatment

With poor urine tests, when the epithelium exceeds the norm, treatment will be aimed at eliminating the cause that caused such a reaction. Only a specialist should diagnose and develop a treatment regimen. Self-medication is prohibited, as this can adversely affect the development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy.

If a woman is diagnosed with nephropathy, then she is subject to hospitalization in a hospital, where constant medical monitoring of changes in the work of the kidneys is carried out. In this case, antihypertensive and anticonvulsant drugs are prescribed, which will be safe for the child. Also, for a certain period, the intake of diuretics is indicated.

The therapy is carried out until the time when the process of childbirth becomes possible without complications for the woman and the child. If changes for the better are not observed, the question of the method of delivery is decided.

When urethral inflammation or inflammation is diagnosed, treatment without antibacterial drugs will not be effective. In this case, funds are selected that act directly in the bladder. Often with a woman, a procedure is performed, which involves the introduction of catheter administration of antibiotics directly into the inflammation focus.

If candidiasis develops, first of all, topical preparations are shown - suppositories, vaginal tablets, creams. Also, general strengthening and immunomodulatory agents are included in the therapy. For candidiasis, treatment should also be given to a man to avoid re-infection.

If, when tested in urine future mother an increased amount of epithelium is found, do not be upset: perhaps the reason for this was the incorrect collection of urine. You should re-pass urine for analysis, and if it is confirmed, first of all contact a gynecologist who can adequately analyze the situation and make the right decision.