Elevated Urea

An increase in serum urea concentration (directly proportional to blood urea nitrogen) above the reference range (adults: ~2.5-7.8 mmol/L; children: ~2.5-6.5 mmol/L).

Causes

• Kidney failure

• Dehydration

• Heart failure

• Shock

• Myocardial infarction

• Increased protein breakdown and urea production

  • Catabolic states

  • Severe trauma

  • Burns

  • High protein diet

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding

• Severe infection or systemic illness