From the Guidelines
Azotemia is a medical condition characterized by abnormally high levels of nitrogen-containing compounds, particularly urea and creatinine, in the blood, which can be caused by various factors including dehydration, heart failure, kidney disease, urinary tract obstruction, and certain medications, and can progress to uremia if left untreated 1.
Definition and Classification
Azotemia occurs when the kidneys are unable to effectively filter waste products from the bloodstream, and can be classified into three types: prerenal (caused by decreased blood flow to the kidneys), renal (resulting from direct kidney damage), and postrenal (due to obstruction of urine outflow) 1.
Causes and Risk Factors
Common causes of azotemia include:
- Dehydration
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Urinary tract obstruction
- Certain medications Patients with preexisting renal disease are at increased risk of developing azotemia, and it is commonly associated with cardiac disease, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events 1.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of azotemia may not be present in mild cases, but as it progresses, patients may experience:
- Fatigue
- Decreased urination
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Confusion Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels 1.
Treatment and Management
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Fluid replacement
- Medication adjustments
- Treating infections
- Relieving urinary obstructions Regular monitoring of renal function is crucial to prevent progression to kidney failure, and earlier detection of azotemia allows for earlier intervention and increased chance of prevention or amelioration 1.