High BUN/Creatinine ratio

[Aquarius]

Hi, my lastest blood tests came in and are concerning.   

Within the last month, my pulse has been high 60s, which is completely, totally atypical of me.  I used to have tachycardia. Blood pressure has shot up with dizziness and weakness. 

At annual physical I asked PCP about kidney issues since this happened so suddenly. 

Well the blood work just came in.  Abnormal Esterase, WBCs and Epithelial cells in urine but I have no symptoms of a UTI. 

Potassium, sodium, BUN, creatinine and glucose are within normal range however the BUN/creatinine ratio was out of range by 30% - quite high.  In researching, a high ratio could be due to:  High protein diet (no); dehydration (no);  kidney stones, kidney problems, upper GI bleeding. 

I see PCP next week to discuss the results.  She has already mentioned wanting an ultrasound of kidneys.   On top of all that, LDL cholesterol is also out of range yet I am a vegetarian, and petite with a diet low in saturated fat.   

I don't feel well as it is with SJS.  Now with sudden high blood pressure and the abnormal blood test and urinalysis, it feels like things are going south.   It's mainly the blood pressure issues and BUN/creatinine ratio that has me concerned.   I am taking blood pressure medicine now.

Anyone have high BUN/Creatinine ratio and what was the cause?   

[jessiblah]

I have had a high bun/crea ratio on numerous occasions. I am most likely dehydrated. I also am always getting UTI's. I surely don't drink enough fluids during the day yet I urinate a ton during the day. I urinate more than what I am taking in. My dr tells me this is why the bun/crea ratio is high. I don't remember what the numbers were but they were high enough to be concerning. I am only 22 so I really don't think there is a kidney issue. Although I do get cysts in my kidneys and I have had them pop occasionally. I had bloodwork the same day one popped as the pain was so severe I went to the dr and i remember that was the highest bun/crea ratio I ever had.

[brooklyntina]

Hi Aquarius,

Please do not take offense! I have had experience with this but only with my cats who have kidney disease (or CRF). I've done tremendous research into kidney function and have kept them alive and active for literally YEARS beyond what the vet expected. The kidney killer is not so much protein as it is phosphorous, a by product of protein. My cat's regime includes getting sub-q fluids on a daily basis (I've often been tempted to try this on myself- rehydration!) and hard boiled egg whites mixed into a special low protein food.

I bring this up only because eggs are the most easily digestible protein and almsot all the phosphorous is in the yolk. There are even studies on humans where egg whites in the diet have improved kidney function.

Obviously you are not a cat and there are other AI factors involved but I wanted to throw that out there. Egg whites. It's no joke.

I hope you get relief soon. Don't give up!

[Aquarius]

Thanks much Jessi and Brook for the feedback.  I'll definitely look further into diet options and keeping hydrated. 

[irish]

I would say that you have every right to be concerned. With that being said, I would tell you to try not to panic and wait until you talk with the doc. He may want to do the tests over again. Because there has been such a significant change in your tests it seems prudent that retesting would be in order.

Sometimes tests can be screwed up for some reason and the only one to address the issue is the doctor and sometimes they don't know. Try to eat a sensible diet and keep your fluid intake at a normal range---whatever that is for you.

It can sometimes be a new lab that screws up---any number of things. Also, make sure that the doc realizes that people with sjogrens can have some kidney issues so he knows that you are not being mellodramatic. Good luck. Irish

[Aquarius]

Thanks Irish, I value your input and will request a lab order to repeat the tests in January just to confirm.

Except for high ANA, my blood tests have always been solidly within range.  It is disconcerting to read the report and see so many values abnormal.  When the blood pressure shot up suddenly and the pulse slowed dramatically (for me), I sensed that something was very wrong and well it is good to listen to one's intuition.

I'll take your advice to eat and hydrate sensibly, and concentrate on taking one step at a time.