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Do Corticosteroids Have An Effect On Kidneys?

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Posted on Tue, 28 Jul 2015
Question: What causes a low BUN? Can corticosteroids affect kidney function?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Low blood urea nitrogen

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

The most common reasons for low bun are

1. malnourishment
2. liver failure
3. Few enzyme deficiencies

Corticosteroids usually increases bun and does not decrease it.

Please get back to me with your doubts so that I can help you in a more specific way

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (19 hours later)
I have been on steroids for adrenal insufficiency and they said they were affecting my kidney function/low BUN so I decreased steroids and my BUN went back to normal. I am wondering if that is the only reason? Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Steroids not the reason for low BUN

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back, I am sorry for the short delay in my reply it was a very busy day at the hospital.

We as nephrologist do not worry much about low BUN. What is more important is serum creatinine. When we consider renal function it is never the BUN which is taken into consideration. So in my opinion your doctor must check on urine routine and serum creatinine to know whether or now steroid is affecting your kidneys. I wouldn't recommend you to taper steroids without letting your doctor know about it.

Low BUN is otherwise harmless and does not cause any problem. High BUN can cause a lot of symptoms like lethergy, loss of appetite, vomiting, etc

regards
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha

Nephrologist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 4364 Questions

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Do Corticosteroids Have An Effect On Kidneys?

Brief Answer: Low blood urea nitrogen Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query The most common reasons for low bun are 1. malnourishment 2. liver failure 3. Few enzyme deficiencies Corticosteroids usually increases bun and does not decrease it. Please get back to me with your doubts so that I can help you in a more specific way Regards