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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes High Ammonia Levels In The Liver?

My brother is in the hospital with severely low sodium levels and high ammonia levels from his liver. He is exhibiting all of the signs of Encephalopathy. He has never been an alcoholic at all, but does take medicine for epilepsy, blood pressure and some psych. drugs for schizophrenia. He is very disoriented, is weak, and extremely tired. The doctors say his sodium level has risen in the past 24 hours from 120 to 123, but his ammonia level is still very high. Any suggestions? YYYY@YYYY
Fri, 21 Sep 2018
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

An elevated ammonia level (or hyperammonaemia) in the blood is usually due to liver dysfunction, either because of a genetic problem with the enzymes that metabolize ammonia or because of acquired liver disease, for example from alcoholic cirrhosis or hepatitis.

It may be due to liver failure caused by drugs etc.

It is treated with laxatives and gut suppression of ammonia-producing bacteria with Rifaximin.

Use tab. Hepamerz. If symptoms not improved please get it done liver function tests, virological markers or kidney function tests.

Please consult your physician/gastroenterologist, he will examine and treat you accordingly.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Penchila Prasad Kandikattu,
Internal Medicine Specialist
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What Causes High Ammonia Levels In The Liver?

Hi, An elevated ammonia level (or hyperammonaemia) in the blood is usually due to liver dysfunction, either because of a genetic problem with the enzymes that metabolize ammonia or because of acquired liver disease, for example from alcoholic cirrhosis or hepatitis. It may be due to liver failure caused by drugs etc. It is treated with laxatives and gut suppression of ammonia-producing bacteria with Rifaximin. Use tab. Hepamerz. If symptoms not improved please get it done liver function tests, virological markers or kidney function tests. Please consult your physician/gastroenterologist, he will examine and treat you accordingly. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Penchila Prasad Kandikattu, Internal Medicine Specialist