FitSugar

Irritated About Bumps on Your Arms?

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:00:00 -0700

As long as I've known my best friend, she's been complaining about these tiny red bumps on the backs of her arms. She thought they were some kind of acne, like what you get on your back when you workout, so she went to her dermatologist to find out.

It turns out that it was a common condition called keratosis pilaris - a complicated name meaning bumpy skin. Actually 50% of people have it, so if you don't have it yourself, you probably know someone who does. It can be on the backs of your arms, your tush, and your thighs. The dead skin cells that are supposed to just flake off, get plugged up in the hair follicles. They look like tiny red or white pimples that have a dry, sandpaper feel. They don't hurt or itch, but they can make you feel self-conscious about baring your skin.

What can you do about these bumps? Use a good moisturizer twice a day - one containing salicylic acid, urea, or alphahydroxy might be your best bet. You can also take hot showers, let the skin soak a little, and then gently exfoliate using loofah gloves. A dermatologist can also prescribe a topical retinoid cream (made from vitamin A), which may help promote cell turnover and prevent the hair follicles from getting plugged in the first place. Whatever you do, I'm sorry to say that it takes constant maintenance - if you stop, the bumps will come back. Since they're harmless, I wouldn't worry about them too much.

Source

Urea (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:11:23 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Urea (yoor-EE-a)

Treats certain skin and nail conditions.

Brand Name(s)

Keralac, Urealac NAIL STICK, Urealac, Urealac Nail Gel, Urealac Lotion, Umecta, Carmol 40, Vanamide, Carmol 20, Nutraplus, Aqua Care, Gordon's Urea, Cerovel, U-Kera, RevitaDerm 40

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to urea.

How to Use This Medicine

Solution, Suspension, Cream, Lotion, Ointment, Gel/Jelly, Paste, Liquid Mixture, Foam, Stick

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
Apply a thin layer to the damaged nail or to the affected skin area, and rub it in gently as directed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor if you need to cover the treated area after you apply the medicine.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Do not freeze this medicine.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Burning, stinging, itching, or irritation.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

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adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5432

Papain/urea (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:10:06 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Papain (pa-PAY-in), Urea (yoor-EE-a)

Treats burns, bedsores, wounds from surgery, or skin ulcers.

Brand Name(s)

Accuzyme, Allanzyme 650 Ointment, Accuzyme SE, AllanZyme, Kovia, Ethezyme, Ethezyme 830, Gladase, Ethezyme 830 Papain, Ethezyme 650

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to papain or urea.

How to Use This Medicine

Spray, Ointment, Liquid Under Pressure

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
Clean your skin wound with saline or other cleanser recommended by your doctor.
Before using a new spray bottle, prime the pump by holding the spray upright directly over the wound, and pumping 10 to 14 times.
To use the spray form of this medicine, hold the bottle about 1 to 2 inches from your wound. Use even, firm, and equal pressure each time you pump the bottle to spray the medicine onto your wound. Completely cover the wound with this medicine. After applying the medicine, cover the skin area with a bandage or other dressing recommended by your doctor.
To use the ointment form of this medicine, apply it directly to the skin wound. After applying the medicine, cover the skin area with a bandage or other dressing recommended by your doctor.
For best results, cleanse or irrigate your skin wound each time you change your bandages, even if you do not apply papain/urea each time.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a cool place. Do not freeze. Keep the container opening covered and clean when you are not using it. Store the spray upright.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use hydrogen peroxide to clean your skin ulcer or wound. Hydrogen peroxide can keep papain/urea from working properly.
Avoid using any other medicines that contain lead, silver, or mercury. These metals can keep papain/urea from working properly.
Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Burning or stinging when you apply the medicine.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5334

Sulfacetamide/urea (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:11:22 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Sulfacetamide (sul-fa-SEE-ta-mide), Urea (yoor-EE-a)

Treats dandruff and some skin infections on the scalp caused by bacteria.

Brand Name(s)

Carmol Scalp Treatment

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to sulfonamides or urea.

How to Use This Medicine

Kit, Lotion

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to apply and how often to apply it. Do not use more medicine or apply it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
Your scalp should be clean before you apply the medicine.
For best results, use the medicine before you go to bed, and allow the medicine to remain on your scalp all night.
Part your hair, then squeeze a little bit of the medicine from the tube onto your scalp. Spread the medicine along the part and massage it into your scalp. Repeat these steps until you have applied the lotion to your entire scalp. Brush your hair for 2 to 3 minutes to remove any extra medicine.
Keep using the medicine for the full treatment time, even if your scalp is better. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
You can brush and style your hair as usual after using the medicine.
Wash your hair at least once a week while you are using this medicine, but do not wash it right after you have applied the medicine.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the medicine.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a medicine containing silver, such as silver nitrite or silver sulfadiazine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
Fever.
Pain or swelling in your joints.
Sores in your mouth.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Nausea or vomiting.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5430

Sulfacetamide/sulfur/urea (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:10:38 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Sulfacetamide (sul-fa-SEE-ta-mide), Sulfur (SUL-fyoor), Urea (yoor-EE-a)

Treats acne and certain other skin problems.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to sulfacetamide, sulfa drugs (such as sulfamethaxazole, trimethoprim, Bactrim®, Cotrim®, or Septra®), sulfur, or urea. You should not use this medicine if you have kidney disease.

How to Use This Medicine

Gel/Jelly

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have been using other acne medicine before you use this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Reddening or scaling of the skin.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Dryness of your skin.
Mild skin rash or itching.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5374

Cystine/inositol/methionine/sodium propionate/urea (Vaginal)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:07:29 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Cystine (SIS-teen), Inositol (in-OH-si-tole), Methionine (me-THYE-oh-neen), Sodium Propionate (SOE-dee-um PROE-pee-oh-nate), Urea (yoor-EE-a)

Helps to heal wounds of the cervix that are caused during childbirth or after minor operations. The cervix is at the bottom of the uterus.

Brand Name(s)

Amino-Cerv

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have an allergy to cystine, inositol, methionine, sodium propionate, or urea.

How to Use This Medicine

Cream

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
This medicine is to be used only in the vagina. Use at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Wash the applicator with warm, soapy water after you use it. If the medicine comes with disposable applicators, use each applicator only once, and then throw it away.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine applicator(s), containers and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Avoid using douches or other vaginal products unless your doctor tells you to.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant.
This medicine may leak out of your vagina during the day. You may wear a sanitary pad to protect your clothing, but do not use a tampon.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Itching.
Rash.
Redness.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5131

Papain/urea/chlorophyllin copper (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:01:35 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Chlorophyllin Copper Complex (klor-oh-FIL-in KOP-per kom-plex), Papain (pa-PAY-in), Urea (yoor-EE-a)

Treats many kinds of skin sores and infections, including burns, bed sores, wounds from surgery, and skin ulcers caused by diabetes or varicose veins.

Brand Name(s)

Panafil, Allanfil 405 Ointment, Ziox 405, Gladase-C, Panafil SE, Allanfil

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to papain, papaya fruit, urea, or chlorophyllin copper.

How to Use This Medicine

Spray, Ointment, Liquid Under Pressure

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
Clean the affected skin area just before using this medicine. A nurse or other health caregiver will show you what to use and how to clean your wound. Do not use hydrogen peroxide to clean your wound.
Apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected area. Cover the area as directed.
Before using a new spray bottle, prime the pump by holding the spray upright directly over the wound, and pumping 6 to 8 times.
Once the spray pump has been primed, hold the bottle about 2 to 3 inches from your wound to apply. Use even, firm, and equal pressure each time you pump the bottle. Completely cover your wound site with the medicine. You should not be able to see the wound under the medicine. Then, follow your doctor's directions for dressing (covering) the wound.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Keep the container opening covered and clean when you are not using it. Store the spray upright.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not use any medicine that contains lead, silver, or mercury on your wound. Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Burning, redness, or irritation of the treated skin.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_4727

14c-urea (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:55:47 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

14C Urea (14C yoor-EE-a)

Used to test for ulcers.

Brand Name(s)

Pytest

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to 14C-urea.

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule

This medicine is used as part of a test that will help your doctor find out if you have stomach ulcers.
Do not eat anything for 6 hours before the test.
The test will be given to you by your health care provider. The person helping you with the test will give you one capsule of the medicine to swallow with a small amount of lukewarm water. Do not touch the capsule with your fingers, because this may cause incorrect test results.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not chew it.
About 3 minutes after you swallow the capsule you will take another small drink of water to make sure the capsule goes down into your stomach.
About 10 minutes after you swallowed the capsule, you will give a breath sample by blowing through a straw connected to a balloon.
Your breath sample will be tested for an enzyme that is present whenever a bacterium (germ) called H pylori (pie-LOR-ee) is in your stomach. H pylori can cause a stomach infection and stomach ulcers.

If a dose is missed:

Only one capsule of this medicine is needed to do the test.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

You should not have used an antibiotic (a medicine used to treat infections) or products that contain bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol®) in the last 4 weeks before the test. You should not have used sucralfate (Carafate®), lansoprazole (Prevacid®), or omeprazole (Prilosec®) in the last 2 weeks before this test. These medicines may cause incorrect test results. If you have used any of these medicines within the last few weeks, tell the health care provider giving you the test.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
The capsule contains a very small amount of radioactivity. The amount is so small, there should be no harmful effects. If you have questions or concerns about this, talk with your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Dizziness
Nausea, vomiting

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0815

Hereditary urea cycle abnormality

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:49:15 -0700

Illustrations

Male urinary system

Urea cycle

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Hereditary urea cycle abnormality is an inherited condition that can cause problems with the removal of waste from the body in the urine.

Alternative Names

Abnormality of the urea cycle - hereditary; Urea cycle - hereditary abnormality

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The urea cycle is a process in which waste (ammonia) is removed from the body. When you eat proteins, the body breaks them down into amino acids. Leftover amino acids turn into ammonia and must be removed from the body. The liver produces several chemicals (enzymes) that change ammonia into a form called urea, which the body can remove in the urine. If this process is disturbed, ammonia levels begin to rise.

Several inherited conditions can cause problems with this waste-removal process. People with a urea cycle disorder are missing a gene that makes the enzymes needed to break down ammonia in the body.

These diseases include:

Argininosuccinic aciduria
Arginase deficiency
Carbamyl phosphate synthetase (CPS) deficiency
Citrullinemia
N-acetyl glutamate synthetase deficiency (NAGS)
Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTC)

As a group, these disorders occur in 1 in 30,000 newborns. Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency is the most common of these disorders.

Boys are more often affected by ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency than are girls. Girls are rarely affected, and those who are have milder symptoms and the disease begins later in life.

To get the other types of disorders, you need to get abnormal copies of the gene from both parents. Sometimes parents don't know they carry the gene until their child gets the disorder.

Symptoms

Typically, the baby begins nursing well and seems normal. However, over time the baby develops poor feeding, vomiting, and sleepiness which may be so deep that the baby is difficult to awaken. This usually occurs within the first week after birth.

Symptoms include:

Coma
Confusion
Decreased food intake
Disliking protein-containing foods
Increased sleepiness, difficulty waking up
Nausea, vomiting

Signs and tests

The doctor will often diagnose these disorders when the child is still an infant.

Signs may include:

Abnormal amino acids in blood and urine
Abnormal level of orotic acid in blood or urine
High blood ammonia level
Normal level of acid in blood

Tests may include:

Genetic tests
Liver biopsy
MRI or CT scan

Treatment

Limiting protein in the diet can help treat these disorders by reducing the amount of nitrogen wastes the body produces. Special low-protein infant and toddler formulas are available.

It is important that a health care provider guide protein intake. The health care provider can balance the amount of protein so that the baby has enough to grow, but not enough to cause symptoms.

It is extremely important for people with these disorders to avoid fasting.

People with urea cycle abnormalities must also be very careful under times of stress, such as when they have infections. Stress, such as a fever, can cause the body to break down its own proteins. These extra proteins can make it difficult for the abnormal urea cycle to remove the byproducts.

Develop a plan with your doctor for when you are sick to avoid all protein, drink high carbohydrate drinks, and get enough fluids.

Most patients with urea cycle disorders will need to stay in the hospital at some point. During such times, they may be treated with medicines that help the body remove nitrogen-containing wastes. Dialysis may help rid the body of excess ammonia during extreme illness.

Support Groups

National Urea Cycle Disorders Forum -- www.nucdf.org

Expectations (prognosis)

How well patients do depends on:

Which urea cycle abnormality they have
How severe it is
How early it is discovered
How closely they follow a protein-restricted diet

Babies diagnosed in the first week of life and put on a protein-restricted diet right away do well.

Sticking to the diet can lead to normal adult intelligence. Repeatedly not following the diet or having stress-induced symptoms can lead to brain swelling and brain damage.

Major stresses, such as surgery or accidents, can be complicated for these patients. Extreme care is needed to avoid problems during such periods.

Complications

Coma
Confusion and eventually disorientation
Death
Increases in blood ammonia level
Swelling of the brain

Calling your health care provider

If your child has a test that shows increased ammonia in the blood, have the child examined by a genetic or metabolic specialist. If there is a family history of urea cycle disorder, seek genetic counseling before trying to get pregnant.

A dietician is important to help plan and update a protein-restricted diet as the child grows.

Prevention

As with most inherited diseases, there is no way to prevent these disorders. Prenatal testing is available. Genetic testing before an embryo is implanted may be available for those using in vitro fertilization.

Teamwork between parents, the affected child, and doctors can help prevent severe illness.

Review Date: 2/5/2008

Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000372

Urea nitrogen - urine

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:12:56 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
How the test is performed
How to prepare for the test
How the test will feel
Why the test is performed
Normal Values
What abnormal results mean
What the risks are

Illustrations

Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Urine urea nitrogen is a measure of protein breakdown in the body. A test can be done to measure the amount of urea in the urine.

Alternative Names

Urine urea nitrogen

How the test is performed

A 24-hour urine sample is needed.

On day 1, urinate into the toilet when you get up in the morning.
Afterwards, collect all urine in a special container for the next 24 hours.
On day 2, urinate into the container when you get up in the morning.
Cap the container. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period.
Label the container with your name, the date, the time of completion, and return it as instructed.

For an infant, thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end), and place it on the infant. For males, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the adhesive to the skin. For females, place the bag over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.

This procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can move the bag, causing the urine to be absorbed by the diaper. Check the infant frequently and change the bag after the infant has urinated into it. Drain the urine from the bag into the container provided by your health care provider.

Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion.

How to prepare for the test

No special preparation is needed. If the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be necessary.

How the test will feel

The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed

This test is mainly used to determine a person's protein balance and the amount of dietary protein needed by severely ill patients. It is also used to determine how much protein a person takes in.

Urea is excreted by the kidneys, so excretion of urea can reflect kidney function.

Normal Values

Normal values range from 6 to 17 grams per 24 hours or 60 to 90 milligrams per deciliter of urine.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean

Low levels usually indicate:

Malnutrition (inadequate protein in diet)
Kidney problems

High levels usually indicate:

Too much protein intake
Increased protein breakdown in the body

What the risks are

There are no risks.

Review Date: 10/22/2007

Reviewed By: Robert Mushnick, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Nephrology, SUNY Downstate Health Center, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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