A clear, jargon-free definition, verified by the medical team at Clinique ESSAADA.
A waste product arising from the normal breakdown of proteins by the liver, carried by the blood and eliminated by the kidneys in the urine. In patients with kidney failure, it builds up in the blood and its level serves as an indicator of the remaining kidney function. Too high a level can cause tiredness, loss of appetite and nausea; one aim of dialysis is to bring it back down.
Our nephrology team answers your questions during consultation.