Uremia: Symptoms & Signs

Medically Reviewed on 9/10/2019

Uremia refers to a clinical syndrome in which there are elevated amounts of urea in the blood. The syndrome causes fluid and electrolyte imbalances as well as hormonal imbalances.

Symptoms associated with uremia include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, appetite loss, weight loss, itching, muscle cramps, thirst, visual disturbances, and changes in mental status. Other associated symptoms and signs can include low urine output, confusion, hiccups, and high blood pressure. Serious complications can include seizure, cardiac arrest due to electrolyte imbalances, coma, and bleeding into the brain or gastrointestinal tract.

Causes of uremia

Chronic kidney disease or failure is the most common cause of uremia, but it can also occur in severe cases of acute or sudden damage to the kidneys.

Other uremia symptoms and signs

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The only purpose of the kidneys is to filter blood. See Answer

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References
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.