Hyperammonemia
Hyperammonemia is a metabolic disturbance characterized by an excess of ammonia in the blood. It is a dangerous condition that can lead to brain damage and/or death. It may be primary or secondary. Ammonia is a substance that contains nitrogen. It is a byproduct of the breakdown of protein. It can be caused by genetic disorders, liver disease, or certain medications.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Hyperammonemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic disorders: Certain genetic conditions can affect the body's ability to convert ammonia to urea. These include urea cycle disorders and organic acidemias.
- Liver disease: Conditions such as cirrhosis or hepatitis can impair the liver's ability to remove toxins like ammonia from the body.
- Medications: Some medications, such as valproic acid and certain chemotherapy drugs, can increase ammonia levels.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Symptoms of hyperammonemia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Hyperammonemia is diagnosed through a blood test that measures the level of ammonia in the blood. Additional tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause of the condition.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for hyperammonemia typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This may include:
- Medication: Drugs that reduce the amount of ammonia in the body, such as lactulose and rifaximin, may be used.
- Dietary changes: A diet low in protein may be recommended to reduce the amount of ammonia produced by the body.
- Dialysis: In severe cases, dialysis may be needed to remove excess ammonia from the blood.
See also[edit | edit source]
Hyperammonemia Resources | ||
---|---|---|
|
|
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD