lab reports

I have been diagnosed with a megaureter and have no symptoms at all.  My lab values have just returned, however, and of course I will discuss them with my urologist, but I wonder haw alarmed I should be.  All other chemistries and profiles are normal.

The elevated ones are:  BUN of 23 (normal is 6 - 22)
                        Creatinine of 2.0 (normal is 0.5 - 1.2)
                        Uric acid of 7.3 (normal is 2.5 - 6.8)

BUN/Creat Ratio is normal  (11.5) Normal is 8 -20

Also, what is an RDW?  (listed under hematology-coagulation it is the only one I don't understand).  

Thank you.

Is there any way to reduce the creatinine level, is this a dangerously high number, and can it be influenced by dehydration, as I had just gotten over an intestinal virus with severe vomiting and diarrhea?

Super G

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The elevated creatinine indicates some degree of renal dysfunction.  There are many, many causes for this - and a full explaination beyond the scope of this forum - but this should be evaluated with your personal physician.  

Dehydration can certainly lead to an elevated creatinine level, as well as blockages of the GU tract, infection, and other kidney disease.  If dehydration has been ruled out, you can consider a urinalysis as well as a kidney ultrasound.

The RDW is part of the complete blood count (CBC).  It reports whether all the red cells are about the same width, size, and shape and helps classify cases of anemia.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[TJV]

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