Hypouricemia
Hypouricemia
Hypouricemia (pronounced: hypo-uric-em-ia) is a medical condition characterized by abnormally low levels of uric acid in the blood.
Etymology
The term "Hypouricemia" is derived from three Greek words: "hypo" meaning under or less, "ouron" meaning urine, and "haima" meaning blood. Thus, it literally translates to "less uric acid in the blood".
Definition
Hypouricemia is defined as a serum uric acid level of less than 2 mg/dL. Uric acid is a waste product that is produced when the body breaks down purine, a type of protein found in many foods and all of your body's cells.
Causes
Hypouricemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic disorders, certain medications, and diseases that affect the kidneys' ability to excrete uric acid. Some of the common causes include:
- Renal tubular defect: This is a genetic disorder that affects the kidneys' ability to reabsorb uric acid.
- Fanconi Syndrome: This is a disorder of the kidney tubes in which certain substances normally absorbed into the bloodstream by the kidneys are released into the urine instead.
- Use of certain medications: Some drugs, such as Losartan and Fenofibrate, can decrease uric acid levels.
Symptoms
Hypouricemia itself usually does not cause symptoms. However, some people with hypouricemia may develop kidney problems, such as nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) and nephropathy (kidney disease).
Treatment
Treatment for hypouricemia typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include changing medications that lower uric acid levels or treating kidney diseases.
Related Terms
- Hyperuricemia: A condition characterized by an excess of uric acid in the blood.
- Gout: A form of arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the bloodstream.
- Urolithiasis: The process of forming stones in the kidney, bladder, and/or urethra (urinary tract).
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hypouricemia
- Wikipedia's article - Hypouricemia
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