Final answer:
Waxy casts and Maltese crosses in urine sediment can indicate certain conditions, specifically damage to the kidney tubules and lipiduria. Increased protein levels can be associated with the presence of waxy casts, but they are not a specific indicator on their own.
Step-by-step explanation:
Presence of waxy casts and Maltese crosses in urine sediment can indicate certain conditions. Waxy casts are formed when there is damage to the kidney tubules, and they have a smooth, glassy appearance. Maltese crosses are a specific type of waxy cast that form when there is lipiduria, which means there is an excessive amount of lipids or fats in the urine.
Increased protein levels can be associated with the presence of waxy casts, as damaged kidney tubules can lead to proteinuria. However, it is important to note that increased protein levels alone are not a specific indicator of waxy casts or Maltese crosses.