Elevated BUN

An increase in the BUN level is known as azotemia. An elevated BUN may be caused by:

1.         Impaired renal function 
2.         Congestive heart failure as a result of poor renal perfusion
3.         Dehydration
4.         Shock
5.          Hemorrhage into the gastrointestinal tract
6.          Acute myocardial infarction
7.           Stress
8.          Excessive protein intake or protein catabolism

 Low BUN

A decreased BUN may be seen in:

1.           Liver failure
2.           Malnutrition
3.           Anabolic steroid use
4.           Overhydration, Which can result from prolonged intravenous fluids
5.          Pregnancy (due to increased plasma volume)
6.           Impaired nutrient absorption
7.          Syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic secretion (SIADH)

Elevated creatinine

1. Creatine use as a supplement

2. Dehydration
Diabetes
Drugs particularly chemotherapy medicines such as cisplatin

3. Kidney disease

4. Diabetic Nephropathy
Creatinine levels are elevated in patients who have diabetic nephropathy. Management of hypertension is the mainstay of prevention and treatment of diabetic renal disease. Tight blood pressure control slows renal disease progression in established diabetic nephropathy.

Contrast agent ( those undergoing CT scan)