Elevated Catecholamine

Abnormally increased levels of catecholamines in plasma or 24-hour urine, indicating increased sympathetic-adrenal activity or excessive catecholamine production.

• Plasma:

  • Epinephrine: 0-140 pg/mL

  • Norepinephrine: 70-1700 pg/mL

  • Dopamine: 0-30 pg/mL

• 24-hour urine:

  • Total: 14-110 μg/24h

  • Epinephrine: 0.5-20 μg/24h

  • Norepinephrine: 15-80 μg/24h

  • Dopamine: 65-400 μg/24h

Causes

• Catecholamine-secreting tumors

  • Pheochromocytoma

  • Paraganglioma

  • Neuroblastoma

• Increased sympathetic-adrenal activation

  • Stress/pain/anxiety/vigorous exercise

  • Trauma/surgery/burns

  • Critical illness: Sepsis, myocardial infarction, heart failure

  • Hyperthyroidism

  • Hypoglycemia

  • Obstructive sleep apnea

• Medications/substances

  • Sympathomimetics

  • Stimulants: Caffeine, nicotine, amphetamine

  • Drugs: Antidepressants (TCA), antihypertensive, asthma medications