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What Does Elevated BUN Level Indicate?

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Posted on Wed, 23 Jul 2014
Question: Just got lab results back and got red flagged results for elevated BUN and BUN/ creatinine ratio.
Bun is 26 (lab range 6-24). BUN/CREATININE 39 (lab range 9-23). Normal creatinine
My results last year were BUN 11. And BUN/CREATININE 16. Normal creatinine
1. Are the recent results concerning
2. What are the potential causes for elevation and would a follow-up urinalysis be helpful
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sree Bhushan Raju (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
normal and acceptable. What are your other reports?

Detailed Answer:
Blood urea and serum creatinine are markers of renal functions. Elevation much beyond the range XXXXXXX indicators of renal (kidney) dysfunction. Your reports are normal and acceptable.

There are several reasons why the urea gets elevated with normal creatinine. Dehydration, small ulcer in the stomach which is bleeding , some varieties of antibiotics etc also can elevate the urea.

What are other reports like urine protein/ albumin , ?. there are other reports which can support or refute the presence of kidney problem. Urea alone can not be the reason to tell you that you have some problem with kidneys.
Do you have diabetes?/ high Blood pressure etc?

Most of the times the reports are given a range which is for the doctor to interpret and explain to the patient. Aso, they give a cut of above which the value is flagged as per the instruction given which may not be correct or clinically significant. You don't need to worry and it should be correlated with several other reports and your health history.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sree Bhushan Raju (8 hours later)
All my other values are Great. My blood pressure is controlled well.
However, I was wondering if the recent use of NSAIDS---acetaminophen
For arthritis could be a problem. (Last 2 years). But if the values of Bun and Bun/creatinine are normal, then I probably shouldn't be concerned, right?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sree Bhushan Raju (50 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No problem

Detailed Answer:
YES. There is no problem. Acetaminophen is safe for kidneys. You can take that tablet as and when required. You can get the reports done again after 4-5 months only to see that they are normal, if possible
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. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sree Bhushan Raju

Nephrologist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 92 Questions

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What Does Elevated BUN Level Indicate?

Brief Answer: normal and acceptable. What are your other reports? Detailed Answer: Blood urea and serum creatinine are markers of renal functions. Elevation much beyond the range XXXXXXX indicators of renal (kidney) dysfunction. Your reports are normal and acceptable. There are several reasons why the urea gets elevated with normal creatinine. Dehydration, small ulcer in the stomach which is bleeding , some varieties of antibiotics etc also can elevate the urea. What are other reports like urine protein/ albumin , ?. there are other reports which can support or refute the presence of kidney problem. Urea alone can not be the reason to tell you that you have some problem with kidneys. Do you have diabetes?/ high Blood pressure etc? Most of the times the reports are given a range which is for the doctor to interpret and explain to the patient. Aso, they give a cut of above which the value is flagged as per the instruction given which may not be correct or clinically significant. You don't need to worry and it should be correlated with several other reports and your health history. Regards