Monday, March 23, 2015

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)



Urea, an end product of protein metabolism, is excreted by the kidney. BUN is directly related to protein intake and nitrogen metabolism and inversely related to the rate of excretion of urea. Urea concentration in glomerular filtrate is the same as in plasma, but its tubular reabsorption is inversely related to the rate of urine formation. 

Normal Range: 8-20 mg/dL


increased in: Renal failure (acute or chronic), urinary tract obstruction, dehydration, shock, burns, CHF, gastrointestinal bleeding. Drugs with renal toxicity, eg, gentamicin. 
 
Decreased in: Hepatic failure, nephrotic syndrome, cachexia (low-protein and high-carbohydrate diets). 
 
Additional: Urease assay method commonly used. BUN/Cr ratio (normally 12:1-20:1) decreased in acute tubular necrosis, advanced liver disease, low protein intake, following hemodialysis. BUN/Cr ratio increased in dehydration, GI bleeding, increased catabolism.


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