Ammonia is produced when proteins are broken down in the intestines. If the liver is unable to effectively metabolize the ammonia, the levels rise in the blood. The American Association for Clinical Chemistry explains that the increased blood levels lead to other symptoms such as comas, seizures, disorientation and irritability. High levels may not be indicative of a specific illness, but do assist in confirming various diagnoses.
Reyes Syndrome
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Reyes syndrome, which affects the brain and liver, is linked to the use of aspirin in the treatment of flu and chickenpox. Prevalent in children ages 4 to 12, Reyes syndrome presents with long-term vomiting followed by confusion, irritability and possibly seizures. An elevated blood ammonia test helps identify the illness and assists in prognosis.
Cirrhosis
Certain liver diseases such as hepatitis A, B and C, liver cancer, Wilson's disease, primary biliary cirrhosis and liver disease due to alcohol, to name a few, cause scarring of liver tissues, or cirrhosis. The resulting decrease in functioning of the liver means higher than normal ammonia levels in the blood which can be confirmed by an ammonia blood test.
Triple H Syndrome
Onset of triple H sydrome,hyperornithinemia, hyperammonemia, and homocitrullinuria, can occur from neonatal up to pre-adolescence. A rare genetic disease causing cellular dysfunction, present symptoms of convulsion, coma, hyperammonemia and hypotonia, or severely decreased muscle tone. Left untreated, mental deficiencies may occur. Ammonia testing showing elevated blood levels assist in diagnosis.
Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn
KidsHealth explains that hemolytic disease of the newborn, or HDN, as an incompatibility between the Rh factor of the blood type of the mother and the baby. The Rh factor is positive if a certain protein on the surface of the cell is present. If the mother's Rh factor is negative, meaning no protein is present, the mother's body produces antibody's against the Rh positive factor. Causing no harm to the current pregnancy, these antibody's may damage the Rh positive red blood cells of any subsequent fetus. The newborn may suffer from anemia, heart failure and liver damage. High ammonia levels in the newborn may assist in the diagnosis of HDN.
