Urea is a substance that plays a huge role in protein metabolism. The main difference between any protein is the presence in it of a large amount of nitrogen as a chemical element. During metabolism, this nitrogen is released, and from it ammonia is formed - one of the most poisonous for the body. Formed at the periphery, it enters the liver, where, under the action of special enzymes, it turns into less toxic urea, which is sent to the kidneys and excreted in the urine.
UREA is a key indicator of renal excretory capacity. If their function is impaired, then this compound does not pass the renal filter and is retained in the vascular bed. The norm is 2.5 - 8.3 mmol / l. For middle-aged people, the indicator should not exceed 6.9 - 7.2. A number of laboratories distinguish different upper bounds for men and women: 7.1 and 6.8, respectively.
Normal values may fluctuate depending on:
Diet (protein-rich foods);
The intensity of physical labor;
Taking a number of medications (hormone therapy).
Excess may indicate:
Renal pathology (acute inflammation and exacerbation of chronic ones associated with infection, intoxication, autoimmune diseases);
Dysfunction of the urinary system associated with obstruction of the normal outflow of urine (stones, tumors of the ureters, bladder, urethra);
Systemic oncological processes (metastases, tumor lesions of the red bone marrow);
Severe physical conditions (heart and respiratory failure);
Extensive injuries (especially with muscle compression), burns, frostbite, poisoning, severe infections also lead to an increase in concentration.
It should be borne in mind that with all of the above pathology, other changes should be present in the clinical picture (characteristic symptoms, shifts in concomitant studies). An isolated rise is quite rare and needs to be redefined.
A decrease in the level indicates a violation of protein and nitrogen metabolism. Sometimes this condition is more dangerous than high numbers. This is associated with liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatosis, hepatitis), which is unable to neutralize ammonia and convert it into less toxic compounds. The toxin accumulates and has a pronounced negative effect.
Low values are observed in malnourished patients.
Blood must be donated when symptoms such as:
Swelling;
Back pain;
Cloudy urine or other impurities;
Dysuric disorders (frequent, painful urination);
Changes to general analyzes.
In the presence of an already established diagnosis, the doctor himself determines the indications for the study. As a rule, the level of creatinine, bilirubin and total protein is determined in parallel for a comprehensive assessment of the pathological process.
