Uremia
| Uremia | |
|---|---|
| Other names: Uraemia, uremic syndrome | |
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| Uremic frost present on the head of a young man who presented with a blood urea nitrogen of 100 mg/dL and serum creatinine of 50 mg/dL. | |
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| Specialty | Nephrology |
| Symptoms | Tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, itchiness, restless leg syndrome, confusion, urine-like smell to the breath[1][2] |
| Complications | Subdural hematomas, pericarditis, pulmonary edema[1] |
| Causes | Acute or chronic kidney failure[1] |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms and poor kidney function[1] |
| Treatment | Dialysis, kidney transplant[1] |
| Prognosis | Poor without treatment[1] |
Uremia is the group of symptoms that occur as a result of poor kidney function.[1] These symptoms may include tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, itchiness, restless leg syndrome, confusion, or a urine-like smell to the breath.[1][2] More serious complications may include subdural hematomas, pericarditis, or pulmonary edema.[1]
The condition can result from acute or chronic kidney failure.[1] This may occur due to diabetes, hypertension, renal artery stenosis, hemolytic uremic syndrome, IgA nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, or polycystic kidney disease.[1] The underlying mechanism involves build up of waste products that would normally be cleared by the kidneys.[2] Uremic symptoms typically only occur when the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is less than 15 mL/min.[1] Though lesser degrees of symptoms can occur at GFRs closer to normal.[2]
Initial treatment is generally by dialysis.[1] Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents may be used in those with low red blood cells and a low potassium diet may be recommended.[1] This may be later followed by a kidney transplant.[1] Without treatment outcomes are poor.[1]
The frequency of uremia is unclear as most people start dialysis before kidney function decreases to the level required for its occurrence.[1] The term "uremia" literally means "urine in the blood".[1] While originally used for all symptoms due to kidney failure, as of the 2000s it used more for those symptoms not due to fluid overload, electrolyte abnormalities, or low red blood cells.[2] The condition was first described in 1836 by Richard Bright.[3]
Signs and symptoms
Classical signs of uremia are: progressive weakness and easy fatigue, loss of appetite due to nausea and vomiting, muscle atrophy, tremors, abnormal mental function, frequent shallow respiration, and metabolic acidosis. Without intervention via dialysis or kidney transplant, uremia due to renal failure will progress and cause stupor, coma, and death.[4] Because uremia is mostly a consequence of kidney failure, its signs and symptoms often occur concomitantly with other signs and symptoms of kidney failure.
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measures the amount of plasma in millilitres being filtered through the kidneys each minute. As the GFR decreases, the prognosis worsens. Some of the effects can be reversed, albeit temporarily, with dialysis.
| GFR (mL/min) | Effects[2] |
|---|---|
| 100–120 | Normal GFR |
| <60 | Uremic symptoms may be present, reduced well-being |
| 30–60 | Cognitive impairment |
| 55 | Fatigue and reduced stamina |
| <50 | Insulin resistance |
| <30 | Increasing likelihood of symptoms |
| ≤15 | Kidney failure |
Residual syndrome
People on dialysis acquire what is known as "residual syndrome".[6] Residual syndrome is a non-life-threatening disease which is displayed as toxic effects causing many of the same signs and symptoms that uremia displays. There are several hypotheses why residual syndrome is present. They are: the accumulation of large molecular weight solutes that are poorly dialyzed (e.g. β2-microglobulin); the accumulation of protein-bound small molecular weight solutes that are poorly dialyzed (e.g. p-cresyl sulfate and indoxyl sulfate); the accumulation of dialyzable solutes that are incompletely removed (e.g. sequestered solutes like phosphate in cells or insufficient elimination of other more toxic solutes); indirect phenomena such as carbamylation of proteins, tissue calcification, or a toxic effect of hormone imbalance (e.g. parathyroid hormone) and; the toxic effects of dialysis itself (e.g. removal of unknown important vitamins or minerals).[6][7] Dialysis increases life span but people may have more limited function. They may have physical limitations which include impairment of balance, walking speed, and sensory functions. They also suffer cognitive impairments such as impairment in attention, memory, and performance of higher-order tasks.[2] People have been maintained longer than three decades on dialysis, but average mortality rates and hospitalizations are high. Also, rehabilitation and quality of life is poor.[2][6]
Mouth
Oral symptoms of uremia can be found in up to 90% of kidney patients. The patients may present with ammonia-like taste and smell in mouth, stomatitis, gingivitis, decreased salivary flow, xerostomia and parotitis.[8]
One of the early symptoms of kidney failure is uremic fetor. It is an ammonia odour in the mouth caused by the high concentration of urea in the saliva which subsequently breaks down to ammonia.[8] As the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level increases, patient might develop uremic stomatitis. Uremic stomatitis appears as a pseudo membrane or the frank ulcerations with redness and a pultaceous coat in the mouth. These lesions could be related to high BUN level >150 mg/dl and disappear spontaneously when the BUN level is reduced with medical treatment. It is believed to be caused by loss of tissue resistance and failure to withstand traumatic influences.[8] Besides that, the patient may develop a rare manifestation which is uremic frost. It is a white plaque found on the skin or in the mouth, it is caused by residual urea crystals left on the epithelial surface after perspiration and saliva evaporation or as a result of reduced salivary flow.[8] Xerostomia is a common oral finding, it results from a combination of direct involvement of salivary glands, chemical inflammation, dehydration and mouth breathing.[8] It may be due to restricted fluid intake, adverse effect of drug therapy or low salivary rate.[9] Salivary swelling can be seen sometimes.[8]
In patients with renal disease, pallor of the oral mucosa can sometimes be noticed due to anaemia caused by reduction of erythropoietin. Uraemia can lead to alteration of platelet aggregation. This situation, combined with the use of heparin and other anticoagulants in haemodialysis, causes the patients to become predisposed to ecchymosis, petechiae, and haemorrhages in the oral cavity.[9] It can also lead to mucositis and glossitis which can bring about pain and inflammation of the tongue and oral mucosa. In addition, patients might also experience altered taste sensations, dysgeusia, and be predisposed to bacterial and candidiasis infections. Candidiasis is more frequent in renal transplant patients because of generalized immunosuppression.[9]
In children with kidney disease, enamel hypoplasia of the primary and permanent dentition has been observed. The abnormalities of dental development correlate with the age at which metabolic disturbances occur. For example, enamel hypoplasia in the form of white or brown discoloration of primary teeth is commonly seen in young children with early-onset renal disease.[9] Poor oral hygiene, a carbohydrate-rich diet, disease-related debilitation, hypoplastic enamel, low salivary flow rate and long-term medication contribute to increased risk of caries formation.[9] However, the patients usually have low caries activity, particularly in children.[8] This is due to the presence of highly buffered and alkaline saliva caused by the high concentration of urea nitrogen and phosphate in saliva. The salivary pH will usually be above the critical pH level for demineralization of the enamel to occur and this helps to prevent the formation of caries.[9] Besides that, pulpal narrowing and calcifications is a frequent finding in patients with renal disease.[9] For people who are on dialysis, the nausea and vomiting resulting from dialysis treatment may lead to severe tooth erosion.[8]
Teeth
When treating patients with kidney insufficiency, a dentist should collect a complete medical history, with particular attention to ESRD-related illnesses, drugs with prescribed dosages, blood parameters, timing, and type of dialysis performed.[10] These aspects can be directly discussed with the nephrologist when necessary. Any alterations in drugs or other aspects of treatment must be previously agreed upon by the nephrologist.[11]
Dental examination for such patients consists of a non-invasive complete assessment of dental, periodontal, and mucosal tissues, with radiographs to aid with the diagnostic process. All potential foci of infection should be intercepted; these include periodontal and endodontic lesions, residual roots, partially erupted and malpositioned third molars, peri-implantitis, and mucosal lesions. When periodontitis is suspected, a periodontal chart should be recorded. Orthodontic appliances can be maintained if they do not interfere with oral hygiene.[10]
Uremia is commonly seen in people who undergo dialysis due to kidney insufficiency. For hemodialysis patients, it is important to determine the treatment schedule. Dental treatment should be started on the day after hemodialysis due to several reasons: there is no accumulation of uremic toxins in the blood, and circulating heparin is absent. Treatment should not commence on the same day as hemodialysis as patients usually feel unwell and their blood is heparinized, which might cause excessive bleeding. For patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, there are no contraindications to dental treatment except in cases of acute peritoneal infections, where elective procedure should be deferred.[8][11]
Hemostatic aids should be instituted in cases of excessive bleeding, which is commonly seen in uremia and kidney failure. To manage postoperative bleeding, primary closure techniques and local hemostatic agents should be used routinely. To reduce bleeding during and after a procedure, tranexamic acid, both as a rinse or administered orally, can be used.[8][11]
Patients undergoing dialysis are exposed to numerous transfusions and kidney failure-related immunosuppression; thus, they are at greater risks of infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis types B and C. It is important to adopt infection control measures to avoid cross-contamination in the dental clinic and prevent risk of exposure to dental personnel.[11]
Causes
Conditions causing increased blood urea fall into three different categories: prerenal, renal, and postrenal.
Prerenal azotemia can be caused by decreased blood flow through the kidneys (e.g. low blood pressure, congestive heart failure, shock, bleeding, dehydration) or by increased production of urea in the liver via a high protein diet or increased protein catabolism (e.g. stress, fever, major illness, corticosteroid therapy, or gastrointestinal bleeding).[12]
Renal causes can be attributed to decreased kidney function. These include acute and chronic kidney failure, acute and chronic glomerulonephritis, tubular necrosis, and other kidney diseases.[12]
Postrenal causes can be due to decreased elimination of urea. These could be due to urinary outflow obstruction such as by calculi, tumours of the bladder or prostate, or a severe infection.[12]
Diagnosis
A detailed and accurate history and physical will help determine if uremia is acute or chronic. In the cases of acute uremia, causes may be identified and eliminated, leading to a higher chance for recovery of normal kidney function, if treated correctly.[13]
Azotemia is a similar, less severe condition with high levels of urea, where the abnormality can be measured chemically but is not yet so severe as to produce symptoms. Uremia describes the pathological and symptomatic manifestations of severe azotemia.[12]
Blood tests
Primary tests performed for the diagnosis of uremia are basic metabolic panel with serum calcium and phosphorus to evaluate the GFR, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine as well as serum potassium, phosphate, calcium and sodium levels. Principal abnormality is very low GFR (<30 mL/min). Uremia will demonstrate elevation of both urea and creatinine, likely elevated potassium, high phosphate and normal or slightly high sodium, as well as likely depressed calcium levels. As a basic work up a physician will also evaluate for anemia, and thyroid and parathyroid functions. Chronic anemia may be an ominous sign of established renal failure. The thyroid and parathyroid panels will help work up any symptoms of fatigue, as well as determine calcium abnormalities as they relate to uremia versus longstanding or unrelated illness of calcium metabolism.
Urine tests
A 24-hour urine collection for determination of creatinine clearance may be an alternative, although not a very accurate test due to the collection procedure. Another laboratory test that should be considered is urinalysis with microscopic examination for the presence of protein, casts, blood and pH.[13]
Radioisotope tests
The most trusted test for determining GFR is iothalamate clearance. However, it may be cost-prohibitive and time-consuming. Clinical laboratories generally calculate the GFR with the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula or the Cockcroft-Gault formula.[13]
Other
In addition, coagulation studies may indicate prolonged bleeding time with otherwise normal values.
Mechanism
Uremia results in many different compounds being retained by the body. With the failure of the kidneys, these compounds can build up to dangerous levels. There are more than 90 different compounds that have been identified. Some of these compounds can be toxic to the body.
| Solute group | Example | Source[note 1] | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peptides and small proteins | β2-microglobulin | shed from major histocompatibility complex | poorly dialyzed because of large size |
| Guanidines | guanidinosuccinic acid | arginine | increased production in uremia |
| Phenols | ρ-cresyl sulfate | phenylalanine, tyrosine | protein bound, produced by gut bacteria |
| Indoles | indican | tryptophan | protein bound, produced by gut bacteria |
| Aliphatic amines | dimethylamine | choline | large volume of distribution, produced by gut bacteria |
| Polyols | CMPF | unknown | tightly protein bound |
| Ucleosides | pseudouridine | tRNA | most prominent of several altered RNA species |
| Dicarboxylic acids | oxalate | ascorbic acid | formation of crystal deposits |
| Carbonyls | glyoxal | glycolytic intermediates | reaction with proteins to form advanced glycation end-products |
Uremic toxins
Uremic toxins are any biologically active compounds that are retained due to kidney impairment.[5] Many uremic salts can also be uremic toxins.
Urea was one of the first metabolites identified. Its removal is directly related to patient survival but its effect on the body is not yet clear. Still, it is not certain that the symptoms currently associated with uremia are actually caused by excess urea, as one study showed that uremic symptoms were relieved by initiation of dialysis, even when urea was added to the dialysate to maintain the blood urea nitrogen level at approximately 90 mg per deciliter (that is, approximately 32 mmol per liter).[2] Urea could be the precursor of more toxic molecules but it is more likely that damage done to the body is from a combination of different compounds which may act as enzyme inhibitors or derange membrane transport.[4] Indoxyl sulfate is one of the better characterized uremic toxins. Indoxyl sulfate has been shown to aggravate vascular inflammation in atherosclerosis by modulating macrophage behavior.[14][15]
| Toxin | Effect | References |
|---|---|---|
| Urea | At high concentrations [>300 mg/dL(>50 mmol/L)]: headaches, vomiting, fatigue, carbamylation of proteins | [4] |
| Creatinine | Possibly affects glucose tolerance and erythrocyte survival | [4] |
| Cyanate | Drowsiness and hyperglycemia, carbamylation of proteins and altered protein function due to being a breakdown product of urea | [4] |
| Polyols (e.g., myoinositol) | Peripheral neuropathy | [4] |
| Phenols | Can be highly toxic as they are lipid-soluble and therefore can cross cell membranes easily | [4] |
| "Middle molecules"[note 2] | Peritoneal dialysis patients clear middle molecules more efficiently than hemodialysis patients. They show fewer signs of neuropathy than hemodialysis patients | [4] |
| β2-Microglobulin | Renal amyloid | [4] |
| Indoxyl sulfate | Induces renal dysfunction and cardiovascular dysfunction; associated with chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease | [14] [15] [16] |
| ρ-cresyl sulfate | Accumulates in and predicts chronic kidney disease | [16] |
Biochemical characteristics
Many regulatory functions of the body are affected. Regulation of body fluids, salt retention, acid and nitrogenous metabolite excretion are all impaired and can fluctuate widely. Body fluid regulation is impaired due to a failure to excrete fluids, or due to fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea. Regulation of salt is impaired when salt intake is low or the vascular volume is inadequate. Acid excretion and nitrogenous metabolite excretion are impaired with the loss of kidney function.[4]
| Retained nitrogenous metabolites | Fluid, acid-base, and electrolyte disturbances | Carbohydrate intolerance | Anormal lipid metabolism | Altered endocrine function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urea | Fixed urine osmolality | Insulin resistance (hypoglycemia may also occur) | Hypertriglyceridemia | Secondary hyperparathyroidism |
| Cyanate | Metabolic acidosis | Plasma insulin normal or increased | Decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol | Altered thyroxine metabolism |
| Creatinine | Hyponatremia or hypernatremia or hypercalcemia | Delayed response to carbohydrate loading | Hyperlipoproteinemia | Hyperreninemia and hyperaldosteronism |
| Guanidine compounds | Hyperchloremia | Hyperglucagonemia | Hyporeninemia | |
| "Middle molecules"[note 2] | Hypocalcemia | Hypoaldosteronism | ||
| Uric acid | Hyperphosphatemia | Decreased erythropoietin production | ||
| Hypermagnesemia | Gonadal dysfunction (increased prolactin and luteinizing hormone, decreased testosterone) | |||
| Decreased sodium-potassium ATPase activity | Increased serum gastrin and melanocyte-stimulating hormone |
History
Urea was crystallized and identified between 1797 and 1808.[17] Urea was hypothesized to be the source of urinary ammonia during this time and was confirmed in 1817. It was hypothesized that excess urea may lead to specific disorders. Later in 1821, it was confirmed that the body did produce urea and that it was excreted by the kidneys.[17] In 1827, urea was first synthesized in the lab, confirming the composition of urea and making it the first biological substance synthesized. In 1856, urea was produced in vitro via oxidation of proteins. It was in 1850 that Thomas Dutrochet seeded the idea of dialysis with the discovery of separating smaller molecules from larger molecules through a semipermeable membrane.[17] It was in 1829 and 1831 when convincing proof was obtained that in certain patients, blood urea was elevated. They also suggested that harm may be caused by this. Later research suggested that major neurological disorders like coma and convulsions did not correlate with physical findings which included generalized edema of the brain. This suggested that uremia was a form of blood poisoning.[17] In 1851, E.T. Frerich described clinical uremic syndrome and suggested that a toxicity was the mechanism of its cause. It was in 1856 that J. Picard developed a sensitive method to reproducibly measure blood urea. He was able to detect a 40% decrease of urea concentration between the renal artery and the renal vein. This work solidified the fact that renal failure coincided with an increase in blood urea. It was J. Picard with E.T. Frerich's work that made the term uremia popular.[17]
Notes
- ↑ There may be multiple sources. Only one is listed.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 The "middle molecules" include: atrial natriuretic peptide, cystatin C, delta sleep-inducing peptide, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and parathyroid hormone.
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 Zemaitis, MR; Foris, LA; Katta, S; Bashir, K (January 2020). "Uremia". PMID 28722889.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 Meyer TW; Hostetter, TH (2007). "Uremia". N Engl J Med. 357 (13): 1316–25. doi:10.1056/NEJMra071313. PMID 17898101.
- ↑ Tilney, Nicholas L. (2003). Transplant: From Myth to Reality. Yale University Press. p. 46. ISBN 978-0-300-09963-8. Archived from the original on 2021-08-27. Retrieved 2020-11-25.
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 Burtis, C.A.; Ashwood, E.R.; Bruns, D.E. Tietz (2006). Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics (5th ed.). Elsevier Saunders. p. 1554.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Almeras, C.; Argiles, A. (2009). "The General Picture of Uremia". Semin. Dial. 22 (44): 321–322. doi:10.1111/j.1525-139X.2009.00575.x. PMID 19708976.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Depner, T.A. (2001). "Uremic Toxicity: Urea and Beyond". Semin. Dial. 14 (4): 246–251. doi:10.1046/j.1525-139X.2001.00072.x. PMID 11489197.
- ↑ Dobre, M.; Meyer, T.W.; Hostetter, T.H. (2012). "Searching for Uremic Toxins". Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 8 (2): 1–6. doi:10.2215/CJN.04260412. PMC 3562857. PMID 23024165.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.9 Burket's oral medicine. Glick, Michael (12th ed.). Shelton, Connecticut. ISBN 978-1-60795-280-0. OCLC 903962852.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) - ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 Gupta, Megha; Gupta, Mridul; Abhishek (July 2015). "Oral conditions in renal disorders and treatment considerations – A review for pediatric dentist". The Saudi Dental Journal. 27 (3): 113–119. doi:10.1016/j.sdentj.2014.11.014. ISSN 1013-9052. PMC 4501439. PMID 26236123.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Costantinides, Fulvia; Castronovo, Gaetano; Vettori, Erica; Frattini, Costanza; Artero, Mary Louise; Bevilacqua, Lorenzo; Berton, Federico; Nicolin, Vanessa; Di Lenarda, Roberto (2018-11-13). "Dental Care for Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease and Undergoing Hemodialysis". International Journal of Dentistry. 2018: 9610892. doi:10.1155/2018/9610892. ISSN 1687-8728. PMC 6258100. PMID 30538746.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Dioguardi, Mario; Caloro, Giorgia Apollonia; Troiano, Giuseppe; Giannatempo, Giovanni; Laino, Luigi; Petruzzi, Massimo; Lo Muzio, Lorenzo (2016-01-02). "Oral manifestations in chronic uremia patients". Renal Failure. 38 (1): 1–6. doi:10.3109/0886022X.2015.1103639. ISSN 0886-022X. PMID 26513593.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Bishop, M.L.; Fody, E.P.; Schoeff, L.E. (2010). Clinical Chemistry: Techniques, Principles, Correlations (6th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. p. 268.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 "Uremia Workup" Archived 2018-06-29 at the Wayback Machine. A Brent Alper Jr. Medscape
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Nakano, T; Katsuki, S; Chen, M; Decano, JL; Halu, A; Lee, LH; Pestana, DVS; Kum, AST; Kuromoto, RK; Golden, WS; Boff, MS; Guimaraes, GC; Higashi, H; Kauffman, KJ; Maejima, T; Suzuki, T; Iwata, H; Barabási, AL; Aster, JC; Anderson, DG; Sharma, A; Singh, SA; Aikawa, E; Aikawa, M (2 January 2019). "Uremic Toxin Indoxyl Sulfate Promotes Proinflammatory Macrophage Activation Via the Interplay of OATP2B1 and Dll4-Notch Signaling". Circulation. 139 (1): 78–96. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.034588. PMC 6311723. PMID 30586693.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Hoyer, FF; Nahrendorf, M (2 January 2019). "Uremic Toxins Activate Macrophages". Circulation. 139 (1): 97–100. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.037308. PMC 6394415. PMID 30592654.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Zhang LS, Davies SS (April 2016). "Microbial metabolism of dietary components to bioactive metabolites: opportunities for new therapeutic interventions". Genome Med. 8 (1): 46. doi:10.1186/s13073-016-0296-x. PMC 4840492. PMID 27102537.
Table 2: Microbial metabolites: their synthesis, mechanisms of action, and effects on health and disease Archived 2018-09-16 at the Wayback Machine
Figure 1: Molecular mechanisms of action of indole and its metabolites on host physiology and disease Archived 2021-03-08 at the Wayback Machine - ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 Richet, Gabriel (1988). "Early history of Uremia". Kidney International. 33 (5): 1013–1015. doi:10.1038/ki.1988.102. PMID 3292814. Archived from the original on 2019-12-16. Retrieved 2017-04-28.
External links
- Uremia Archived 2014-07-03 at the Wayback Machine, WebMD.com
- Understanding Uremia Archived 2014-07-15 at the Wayback Machine, uspharmacist.com
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