Prerenal azotemia is an abnormally high level of nitrogen waste
products in the blood. Azotemia - prerenal; Uremia; Renal
underperfusion Causes, incidence, and risk factors Prerenal
azotemia is common, especially in people who are in the
hospital. The kidneys normally filter the blood. When the volume
or pressure of blood flow through the kidney drops, filtering of
the blood also drops, or may not occur at all. Waste products
stay in the blood and little or no urine is formed, even though
the kidney itself is working. Nitrogen waste products, such as
creatinine and urea, build up in the body (azotemia). These
waste products act as poisons when they build up. They damage
tissues and reduce the ability of the organs to function.
Prerenal azotemia is the most common form of kidney failure in
hospitalized patients. Any condition that reduces blood flow to
the kidney may cause it, including: Conditions that allow fluid
to escape from the bloodstream Long-term vomiting, diarrhea, or
bleeding Loss of blood volume (s