Ver el código de «Ammonia»

==Background==
*Byproduct of protein metabolism; normally converted to urea by the liver
*Elevated in hepatic dysfunction; correlates poorly with degree of [[hepatic encephalopathy]]

==Normal Values==
*Normal: 15-45 mcg/dL (varies by lab)

==Interpretation==
*Elevated in [[hepatic encephalopathy]], urea cycle defects, portosystemic shunts, valproic acid toxicity, and urinary tract infections with urea-splitting organisms
*Serum ammonia level does not reliably correlate with severity of encephalopathy
*A normal ammonia level makes hepatic encephalopathy less likely but does not completely exclude it
*Sample handling affects accuracy: specimen must be placed on ice and processed rapidly
*Treatment of elevated ammonia: lactulose, rifaximin, treat underlying cause

==See Also==
*[[Hepatic encephalopathy]]
*[[Ammonia toxicity]]
*[[Liver function tests]]
*[[Cirrhosis]]

==References==
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[[Category:Labs]]