Azotemia vs. Uremia

Azotemia => Characterized by increased levels of nitrogen-containing compounds (i.e urea, BUN) NOT severe enough to cause symptoms.

Uremia => (“urine in the blood”) Characterized by increased levels of nitrogen-containing compounds (i.e urea, BUN) severe enough to cause symptoms. Symptoms are non-specific: fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, itchiness, confusion, pericarditis, coma, etc.

REFERENCES

1. Bishop, M.L.; Fody, E.P. and Schoeff, L.E. Clinical Chemistry: Techniques, Principles, Correlations. 6th Edition. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. p. 268.
2. Rose BD, Post TW. Hyperkalemia. In: Clinical Physiology of Acid-Base and Electrolyte Disorders. 5th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2001:913-919.