What does the term “azotemia” specifically refer to?

The term “azotemia” specifically refers to an increase in nitrogenous waste products, particularly urea and creatinine, in the blood. It is generally an indicator of impaired kidney function, as the kidneys are responsible for filtering these waste products from the bloodstream. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, these substances accumulate, leading to elevated levels in the blood.

Although high potassium levels in the blood, low urea levels in the blood, and overall kidney failure can be related to kidney function, they do not define azotemia itself. High potassium, or hyperkalemia, is a separate condition that can occur alongside azotemia but is not synonymous with it. Similarly, low urea levels would indicate a different renal or metabolic state, and overall kidney failure encompasses a broader range of conditions than azotemia alone, which specifically quantifies nitrogen waste accumulation.