Azotemia overview
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Azotemia overview On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Azotemia is a medical condition characterized by abnormal levels of nitrogen-containing compounds, such as urea, creatinine, various body waste compounds, and other nitrogen-rich compounds in the blood. The cause is usually insufficient filtering of the blood by the kidneys.
Azotemia can be classified according to its cause. In prerenal azotemia the blood supply to the kidneys is inadequate. In postrenal azotemia the urinary outflow tract is obstructed. Other forms of azotemia are caused by diseases of the kidneys themselves.
Other causes of azotemia include congestive heart failure, shock, severe burns, prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, some antiviral medications, liver failure, or trauma to the kidneys.
Uremia is a broader term referring to the pathological manifestations of severe azotemia. Azotemia is one of many clinical characteristics of uremia, which is a syndome characteristic of renal disease. Uremia includes azotemia, as well as acidosis, hyperkalemia, hypertension, anemia and hypocalcemia along with other findings.