From the Research
Administering urea would increase Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) levels in the body, as urea is directly measured by the BUN test and introducing additional urea into the system will elevate this laboratory value. This relationship is straightforward because BUN specifically quantifies the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea 1. When urea is administered, either orally or intravenously, it enters the bloodstream and contributes to the total urea concentration that is measured as BUN. Clinically, urea is sometimes administered therapeutically for certain conditions like SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone secretion) or to reduce intracranial pressure in some neurological conditions.
Key Considerations
- Typical oral dosing ranges from 15-60 grams daily, divided into multiple doses.
- Patients receiving urea should be monitored for BUN elevations, as excessive levels can indicate kidney stress or dysfunction.
- The normal BUN range is approximately 7-20 mg/dL, and values will increase proportionally to the amount of urea administered and the patient's kidney function.
- High BUN concentration at admission was robustly associated with adverse outcome in critically ill patients admitted to an ICU, even after correction for co-founders including renal failure 2.
- Predialysis BUN showed a significant positive correlation with serum albumin and creatinine, indicating its potential utility as an indicator of nutritional status in hemodialysis patients 1.
Monitoring and Safety
- Monitoring of serum sodium and chloride concentrations is necessary when using hypertonic saline to prevent adverse events 3.
- Peripheral administration of hypertonic saline is likely safe in certain circumstances, but central intravenous administration may be preferred to prevent phlebitis and extravasation 3.
- The safe use of urea and other hyperosmolar therapies is possible with proper protocols, education, and institutional safeguards in place 4.