From the Guidelines
The medical term for low BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) is hypo-azotemia or hypo-uremia. This condition occurs when BUN levels fall below the normal range of 7-20 mg/dL. Low BUN can result from several causes including overhydration, malnutrition or low protein intake, severe liver disease, or pregnancy, as supported by the understanding of urea production and filtration in the kidneys 1. It may also be seen in patients with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). While high BUN levels often receive more clinical attention as they can indicate kidney dysfunction, low BUN levels should not be ignored as they may signal underlying health issues. Some key points to consider about low BUN include:
- Overhydration can lead to low BUN due to dilution of urea in the blood
- Malnutrition or low protein intake can result in decreased urea production
- Severe liver disease can impair urea production, leading to low BUN
- Pregnancy can also cause low BUN due to increased blood volume and renal clearance No specific medication is typically prescribed solely for low BUN; instead, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, such as increasing protein intake if malnutrition is the cause, or adjusting fluid intake if overhydration is suspected, as the management of fluid balance and renal function is crucial in conditions like heart failure 1. Low BUN itself is not usually dangerous but serves as an important diagnostic indicator that should prompt further investigation to identify and treat the underlying condition.
From the Research
Medical Term for Low BUN
The medical term for low Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, some studies mention conditions related to low BUN or its potential causes:
- Low BUN can be associated with conditions such as liver disease or malnutrition 2, 3.
- Furosemide, a diuretic, can cause azotemia, which is an elevation of BUN and creatinine levels, but its effects on renal hemodynamics may vary depending on the patient's condition 3.
- Hyperuricemia, or high uric acid levels, has been linked to various metabolic disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 4, 5.
- Co-administration of furosemide and albumin may enhance diuresis and natriuresis effects, particularly in patients with low baseline serum albumin levels or impaired renal function 6.
Potential Causes of Low BUN
Some potential causes of low BUN include:
- Liver disease: The liver plays a crucial role in urea production, and liver disease can lead to decreased urea production and low BUN levels 2, 3.
- Malnutrition: Inadequate protein intake can result in low BUN levels.
- Overhydration: Excessive fluid intake can dilute the blood and lead to low BUN levels.
Related Conditions
Some conditions related to low BUN or its potential causes include:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Hyperuricemia has been linked to NAFLD, and low BUN levels may be observed in patients with liver disease 4, 5.
- Hyperuricemia: High uric acid levels have been associated with various metabolic disorders, including NAFLD and kidney disease 4, 5.
- Azotemia: Furosemide can cause azotemia, which is an elevation of BUN and creatinine levels, particularly in patients with ascites 3.