Topic Overview

Uremia (uremic syndrome) is a serious complication of chronic kidney disease and acute renal failure. It occurs when urea and other waste products build up in the body because the kidneys are unable to eliminate them. These substances can become poisonous (toxic) to the body if they reach high levels.

Prolonged or severe fluid buildup (edema) may make the uremic syndrome worse.

Uremic syndrome may affect any part of the body and can cause:

• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
• Changes in mental status, such as confusion, reduced awareness, agitation, psychosis, seizures, and coma.
• Abnormal bleeding, such as bleeding spontaneously or profusely from a very minor injury.
• Heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat, inflammation of and excess fluid in the sac that surrounds the heart (pericarditis), and increased pressure on the heart.
• Shortness of breath from fluid buildup in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural effusion).

Kidney dialysis is usually needed to relieve the symptoms of uremic syndrome until normal kidney function can be restored.