User:Mr. Ibrahem/Uremia

Uremia is the group of symptoms that occur as a result of poor kidney function. These symptoms may include tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, itchiness, restless leg syndrome, confusion, or a urine-like smell to the breath. More serious complications may include subdural hematomas, pericarditis, or pulmonary edema.

The condition can result from acute or chronic kidney failure. This may occur due to diabetes, hypertension, renal artery stenosis, hemolytic uremic syndrome, IgA nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, or polycystic kidney disease. The underlying mechanism involves build up of waste products that would normally be cleared by the kidneys. Uremic symptoms typically only occur when the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is less than 15 mL/min. Though lesser degrees of symptoms can occur at GFRs closer to normal.

Initial treatment is generally by dialysis. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents may be used in those with low red blood cells and a low potassium diet may be recommended. This may be later followed by a kidney transplant. Without treatment outcomes are poor.

The frequency of uremia is unclear as most people start dialysis before kidney function decreases to the level required for its occurrence. The term "uremia" literally means "urine in the blood". While originally used for all symptoms due to kidney failure, as of the 2000s it used more for those symptoms not due to fluid overload, electrolyte abnormalities, or low red blood cells. The condition was first described in 1836 by Richard Bright.