Hyperammonemia: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Hyperammonemia | |||
| image = [[File:Ammonia_lone_electron_pair.svg|left|thumb|Ammonia molecule]] | |||
| caption = Structure of an ammonia molecule | |||
| field = [[Hepatology]], [[Nephrology]], [[Genetics]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Confusion]], [[lethargy]], [[vomiting]], [[seizures]], [[coma]] | |||
| complications = [[Cerebral edema]], [[brain damage]] | |||
| onset = Can be acute or chronic | |||
| duration = Varies depending on cause | |||
| causes = [[Liver disease]], [[urea cycle disorders]], [[medications]], [[infections]] | |||
| risks = [[Genetic predisposition]], [[liver failure]], [[renal failure]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Blood ammonia level]], [[liver function tests]], [[genetic testing]] | |||
| differential = [[Hepatic encephalopathy]], [[urea cycle disorder]], [[metabolic disorders]] | |||
| treatment = [[Lactulose]], [[antibiotics]], [[dialysis]], [[liver transplant]] | |||
| medication = [[Lactulose]], [[Rifaximin]], [[Sodium phenylbutyrate]] | |||
| prognosis = Depends on underlying cause and treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''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. | '''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 == | == Causes == | ||
Hyperammonemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including: | 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. | * [[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. | * [[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. | * [[Medications]]: Some medications, such as [[valproic acid]] and certain [[chemotherapy]] drugs, can increase ammonia levels. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Symptoms of hyperammonemia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include: | Symptoms of hyperammonemia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include: | ||
* [[Fatigue]] | * [[Fatigue]] | ||
* [[Nausea]] and [[vomiting]] | * [[Nausea]] and [[vomiting]] | ||
| Line 16: | Line 31: | ||
* [[Seizures]] | * [[Seizures]] | ||
* [[Coma]] | * [[Coma]] | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
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. | 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 == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for hyperammonemia typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This may include: | 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. | * [[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. | * [[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. | * [[Dialysis]]: In severe cases, dialysis may be needed to remove excess ammonia from the blood. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Urea cycle]] | * [[Urea cycle]] | ||
* [[Hepatic encephalopathy]] | * [[Hepatic encephalopathy]] | ||
* [[Inborn errors of metabolism]] | * [[Inborn errors of metabolism]] | ||
[[Category:Metabolic disorders]] | [[Category:Metabolic disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Genetic disorders]] | [[Category:Genetic disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Liver diseases]] | [[Category:Liver diseases]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 21:08, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Hyperammonemia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Confusion, lethargy, vomiting, seizures, coma |
| Complications | Cerebral edema, brain damage |
| Onset | Can be acute or chronic |
| Duration | Varies depending on cause |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Liver disease, urea cycle disorders, medications, infections |
| Risks | Genetic predisposition, liver failure, renal failure |
| Diagnosis | Blood ammonia level, liver function tests, genetic testing |
| Differential diagnosis | Hepatic encephalopathy, urea cycle disorder, metabolic disorders |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Lactulose, antibiotics, dialysis, liver transplant |
| Medication | Lactulose, Rifaximin, Sodium phenylbutyrate |
| Prognosis | Depends on underlying cause and treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
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]
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]
Symptoms of hyperammonemia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:
Diagnosis[edit]
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]
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.
