-IBIS-1.5.0-
rx
chemistry screen
BUN
diagnoses

definition

BUN: blood urea nitrogen

reference values:
standard: 5-25 mg/dl
healthy: 10-18 mg/dl

conditions that can exhibit an increase in BUN:
Impaired kidney function; Prerenal azotemia (decreased kidney blood flow from shock, congestive heart failure); Postrenal azotemia (from obstruction of the urinary tract); Increased protein metabolism; Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus; Rheumatoid arthritis; Gout; Anterior pituitary disorder.

conditions that can exhibit a decrease in BUN:
Severe liver damage or failure; Increased use of protein synthesis (e.g. pregnancy); Diet (high protein/low carbohydrate); Celiac disease; Nephrotic syndrome, occasionally; Amino acid deficiencies from digestive problems or from eating too much cooked animal protein.

in general:
• 6-8 mg/dl: Overhydration (posterior pituitary dysfunction, especially if there is a low specific gravity).
• 10-20 mg/dl: normal glomerular function.
• 50-150 mg/dl: serious kidney disease.
• 150-250 mg/dl: severely impaired glomerular function.

In chronic kidney disease, BUN level is a better indicator for uremia than creatinine levels.


footnotes