Normal neonatal BUN range?

Normal neonatal BUN range?

• A. 10-20
• B. 6-20
• C. 0-3
• D. 4-17

Answer: (D)

BUN in newborns reflects how well the kidneys are clearing nitrogenous waste and how mature the liver’s urea production is. In healthy neonates, the normal range is a bit lower and narrower than adults, roughly 4 to 17 mg/dL. That’s why the correct range is 4–17 mg/dL—it captures the typical neonatal window. Values higher than about 20 mg/dL can signal dehydration or impaired renal function, while very low values (near 0–3) are uncommon and may point to low protein intake or liver issues. Always interpret BUN with hydration status and other markers like creatinine, since renal maturity and fluid balance greatly influence these numbers.

BUN in newborns reflects how well the kidneys are clearing nitrogenous waste and how mature the liver’s urea production is. In healthy neonates, the normal range is a bit lower and narrower than adults, roughly 4 to 17 mg/dL. That’s why the correct range is 4–17 mg/dL—it captures the typical neonatal window. Values higher than about 20 mg/dL can signal dehydration or impaired renal function, while very low values (near 0–3) are uncommon and may point to low protein intake or liver issues. Always interpret BUN with hydration status and other markers like creatinine, since renal maturity and fluid balance greatly influence these numbers.