Re: Ammonia levels

[Guest guest]

Hi Leita,

It's me again. Now I've actually read all the messages ).

Elevated ammonia levels are an indication of liver problems. High

levels can cause exrememe sleepiness. Most drugs are metabolized in

the liver so almost any drug could cause liver problems and

eventually damage. Assuming that Asha has no history of liver

problems, that might be a place to start. Increased ammonia happens

in Reye's syndrome, too, but I'm assuming that isn't the problem.

However, definitely disregard my thoughts on aspirin, at least for

now.

Ammonia is in the blood as a product of protein metabolism. The

liver converts ammonia to urea, which is then excreted. If the liver

becomes unable to do that, then ammonia levels rise in the blood.

Very high protein diets can cause ammonia levels to increase although

not 3 times normal, I don't think. The k. diet is definitely not a

high pro diet. Ammonia fits into the equation for acid-base balance,

as do ketones, so there could be a connection there but I can't

reason it out right now. However, you might look at her calories

and/or protein and see if either need to be increased. If Asha isn't

getting enough calories and/or protein, her body could be burning her

own muscle mass for energy. That might also cause increase ammonia,

but I would think you'd have to be literally starving for it to

increase ammonia 3 fold.

In any case, the possibility of liver problems is something to be

taken seriously. It is possible there is a connection between the

elevated ammonia and the platelet increase/clumping. I would repeat

the test and if it's still abnormal, it's time to find out why.

Cammie

> I know I have probably asked this before but can someone tell me

> what elevated ammonia levels indicate whilst on the diet? Asha's

> came back 3 times normal. She is NOT on depakote. Leita.