Elevated Ammonia

Abnormal increase in blood ammonia concentration, reflecting impaired hepatic urea cycle function or excess ammonia production and predisposing to neurotoxicity and encephalopathy.

• Adult range: 15–45 µg/dL or 11–32 µmol/L

• Children: 40–80 µg/dL or 24–48 µmol/L

• Newborns: 90–150 µg/dL or 50–100 µmol/L

Causes

• Severe liver disease

  • Acute liver failure

  • Cirrhosis

• Kidney failure

• Genetic urea cycle disorders

• Increased ammonia production

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding

  • High-protein intake

  • Starvation

  • Vigorous exercise

  • Infection with urease-producing bacteria

  • Sepsis

  • Trauma

• Medications

  • Valproic acid

  • Chemotherapy