azotemia
Pronunciation: AY-zo-TEE-mee-ah
Elevated levels of nitrogenous waste products in the blood, indicating impaired kidney function.
Full Definition
Azotemia refers to the biochemical abnormality of elevated nitrogenous waste products in the blood, specifically blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, resulting from decreased kidney function. In pediatric nephrology, azotemia can be classified as prerenal (due to decreased blood flow to kidneys), intrarenal (due to kidney parenchymal disease), or postrenal (due to urinary tract obstruction). Unlike uremia, azotemia may be asymptomatic and represents a laboratory finding rather than a clinical syndrome. The degree of azotemia helps assess the severity of kidney dysfunction and guides treatment decisions.
Usage
Usage note: Specify type (prerenal, intrarenal, postrenal) when cause is identified.
In Context
- "Laboratory studies revealed significant azotemia with BUN 60 mg/dL and creatinine 3.2 mg/dL." — Laboratory report
- "Prerenal azotemia improved with fluid resuscitation and restoration of adequate perfusion." — Hospital progress note