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
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