Definition:
A term used to loosely describe the illness accompanying kidney failure, Uremia is also known as prerenal azotemia. Urea and other waste products are usually retained in the blood in kidney failure cases.
Diagnosis:
Uremia is usually diagnosed in kidney dialysis patients when the glomerular filtration rate. Other tests may include blood creatinine, BUN, osmolality, and urine tests to check sodium and creatinine levels and to monitor kidney function.
Treatment:
Uremia treatment is directed to quickly correct the cause before the kidney becomes damaged. Patients often need to stay in the hospital and may need treatment in an ICU. Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialyses are options. To increase blood volume, intravenous fluids including blood or blood products may be used. Dopamine, dobutamine, and other heart medications may be taken by patients once blood volume is restored.
Symptoms and Signs:
Early symptoms include anorexia and lethargy, and late symptoms can include decreased mental acuity and coma. There are quite a number of other symptoms related to the disease namely confusion, decreased or no urine produced, dry mouth, fatigue, pale skin color, rapid pulse, swelling, thirst, excessive urination at night, and abdominal pain.
Causes:
Aside from renal failure, there are other factors that cause Uremia. A high protein diet, increased protein breakdown, gastrointestinal bleeding, and drugs can increase the production of uremia in the liver. Decreased blood flow through kidney and urinary outflow obstruction meanwhile can decrease the elimination of urea.
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