Azotemia

Azotemia is a medical condition characterized by abnormal levels of urea, creatinine, various body waste compounds, and other nitrogen-rich compounds in the blood as a result of insufficient filtering of the blood by the kidneys.

Related Topics:
Urea - Creatinine - Blood

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Uremia can be used as a synonym, or can be used to indicate severe azotemia, in which symptoms are produced.

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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.

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Other causes of azotemia include congestive heart failure, shock, severe burns, prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, or some sort of trauma to the kidney(s).

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