BUN/Cr ratio is not a good indicator in children

The BUN to creatinine ratio does not work well in children at all and we tend to ignore it as “an adult thing” that appears on lab tests, but does not relate to kids. Many of the children I work with have an elevated BUN/Cr despite us knowing by specific kidney tests that their kidneys work really well and the fact that both the BUN and Cr are normal, as with Kevie. I do not know exactly why this ratio does not work in kids, but it has something to do with the fact that the denominator (cr) is much smaller in children representing a smaller muscle mass in the body. Whatever the reason the ratio is typically high in children, it is not a reason to worry at all. Okay?

The CO2 represents acid/base balance in the body. Worry can cause this to be transiently off. One common cause of decrease in the CO2 is that a little of the IV fluid is mixed in the blood and it can help to make sure that there is an adequate “discard” of blood–typically 5 ml or one teaspoon from the port before the blood for the test is done.

WithHope for cure of these diseases.