Symmetric Dimethylarginine

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

"Her SDMA is slightly elevated", the Doctor informed me and my medical nurse wife Belinda.

"What is an SDMA?" I queried.

"It's a test for kidney function which is more efficient than the traditional tests, like for BUN, creatinine, GFR. When the traditional tests come back with elevated levels, sometimes up to 75% of kidney function has been lost."

"As her other bloodwork is normal, I would suggest IV hydration to jump start her kidneys, and an injection of a cephalosporin in case we're dealing with an infection."

Both Belinda and I agreed and consented to the suggested treatment regimen.

"What were the results of the ELISA?" we both asked, almost simultaneously.

"Oh- it was negative. She doesn't have Feline Leukemia!" the Doctor gladly reported.

 

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"Oh good!" I said. "I lost one of my favorite cats to that disease!"

 

I did a little online research and found that there is a SMDA test for humans, also.

Even though I'm a retired Nurse, I'm still learning new things.

Even though the Patient as my cat, Blue, and the Doctor was a Veterinarian!

 

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

Interesting, I did not know that test either. So glad Blue doesn't have feline leukemia, hope she's feeling better!

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
2 hours ago, JBMmom said:

Interesting, I did not know that test either. 

Belinda was an RMA who supervised a group of Doctors' labs for over 15 years before getting her RN, and she knew not of an SDMA either, JBMmom.

Blue sends her appreciation, as her appetite and behavior has improved.

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