Sunday, February, 12, 2012

Prerenal azotemia

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Azotemia - prerenal; Uremia; Renal underperfusion


Symptoms
  • Confusion
  • Decreased alertness
  • Decreased or no urine produced
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Pale skin color
  • Rapid pulse
  • Swelling
  • Thirst

Other symptoms may include:

  • Excessive urination at night
  • Pain in the abdomen

Signs and tests

An examination may show:

  • Collapsed neck veins
  • Dry mucus membranes
  • Little or no urine in the bladder
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low heart function or hypovolemia
  • Poor skin turgor
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Reduced pulse pressure (difference between systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure)
  • Signs of acute kidney failure

The following tests may be done for prerenal azotemia:

  • Blood creatinine
  • BUN
  • Osmolality and specific gravity
  • Urine tests to check sodium and creatinine levels and to monitor kidney function

Review Date: 08/12/2009
Reviewed By: Parul Patel, MD, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology and Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, affiliated with California Pacific Medical Center, Department of Transplantation, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)