Abstract

REFERENCE VALUES FOR ELECTROLYTES, UREA AND CREATININE IN URINE OF YOUNG ADULTS SELECTED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN CAMPUS AREA, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the reference values of urine electrolytes, urea and creatinine in young adults. The study group consisted of 17 males and 18 females aged (18-19) years, selected from the University of Benin campus area. Sodium and potassium in urine were measured by standard flame photometry, bicarbonate and chloride levels were equally measured by simple titration methods, creatinine level was analyzed by the Jaffe method and urea was analyzed by the Berthelot reaction. The mean values in mmol/day for both sexes are as follows: sodium: male-148.65±6.12, female- 127.89±4.48; potassium: male- 15.84±1.46, female- 11.28 ±1.43; chloride: male - 111.29±8.24, female- 95.44±2.27; bicarbonate:male- 8.35±0.80, female- 7.83±0.56; urea: male- 433.12±56.16, female-323.33±51.64 and creatinine: male- 33.54±56.16, female- 24.33±3.46. Significant differences were observed in sodium and potassium levels in both sex groups (ρ0.05) when compared using student’s t-test. Thus, these values are in agreement with previously suggested reference ranges and could aid in health care management in the above population.

Keywords: Reference Value, Urea, Creatinine, Urine, Potassium.