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  • February 1, 2010 at 8:37 pm #303454
    suera
    Participant

    Is BUN the same as total bilirubin? My bilirubin is high but my rheumy doesn't seem concerned…should I be?
    Thanks,
    Sue

    February 1, 2010 at 8:46 pm #341016
    Davit
    Participant

    BUN is blood urea nitrogen.

    February 1, 2010 at 10:54 pm #341017
    suera
    Participant

    Am I suppose to have that checked? My rhemy doesn't check that.

    February 2, 2010 at 12:47 am #341018
    mschmidt
    Participant

    Sue,

    BUN measures how well the kidneys are functioning.  Docs can perform either urine or blood tests to monitor your kidneys.  Is your rheumy testing your creatinine levels? (creatinine is a waste product which can increase in blood when the kidney filtration rate is decreased significantly.)  What type of abx are you on?  Bilirubin is a reflection of bile pigment in the blood, and if it's elevated, may or may not be associated with liver disease. 

    Maria

    February 2, 2010 at 12:59 am #341019
    Davit
    Participant

    BUN is a lot more important if you are taking a DMARD or if you are on one of the Nsaids that is hard on the kidneys. Like Ibuprofen or feldane. It can be a concideration with ABX if there is any problem with your kidneys or if you smoke or drink also. I seldom get it done as I have excellent kidneys.

    Davit.

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