Understanding Abnormal Results from a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
A 35-year-old woman, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 165 pounds, has received her Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) results, which indicate some abnormalities. Below are the noteworthy findings: - **Glucose Level**: 75 mg/dL, which falls within the normal range. - **BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)**: 16 mg/dL, normal. - **Creatinine Level**: 0.6 mg/dL, also within acceptable limits. - **BUN/Creatinine Ratio**: 27, indicating a high result. - **Sodium**: 136 mEq/L, normal. - **Potassium**: 4.1 mEq/L, normal. - **Chloride**: 102 mEq/L, normal. - **CO2 (Bicarbonate)**: 17 mEq/L, noted to be low. - **Calcium**: 9.6 mg/dL, normal level. - **Total Protein**: 7.1 g/dL, within range. - **Albumin**: 4.7 g/dL, normal. - **Total Globulin**: 2.4 g/dL, within limits. - **Total Bilirubin**: 0.2 mg/dL, normal. - **Alkaline Phosphatase**: 42 U/L, recorded as low. - **AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)**: 19 U/L, normal. - **ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)**: 23 U/L, also normal. - **eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)**: 120 mL/min, normal. These results reveal low values in bicarbonate and alkaline phosphatase, which could be worth discussing with a healthcare professional to gain insights into what these numbers might mean for her overall health.
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 12:50:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
The key points from your Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) results indicate low levels of bicarbonate and alkaline phosphatase, while other values are within normal ranges. Understanding these abnormalities can help you take informed steps towards managing your health.
Explanation
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Bicarbonate (CO2) Level: A low bicarbonate level (17 mEq/L) can suggest issues related to acid-base balance in your body. It may be linked to conditions like respiratory acidosis, metabolic acidosis, or kidney issues, though the context of your overall health matters.
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Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): A low ALP level (42 U/L) can sometimes be seen in conditions related to malnutrition, certain medications, or specific liver/bone disorders. While low levels are generally less concerning than high levels, they should still be interpreted in the context of your overall health.
Next Steps
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Monitor for Symptoms: Pay attention to any physical symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or any other unusual changes in your health. Keep a journal of any such observations.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensuring adequate hydration helps maintain proper kidney function and acid-base balance. Aim for at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water daily, more if you are active or in a warm environment.
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Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support overall health. If you're concerned about specific nutrient intake, consider increasing foods rich in magnesium and phosphorous.
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Follow-Up Considerations: Given the abnormalities, it would be wise to discuss these results with a healthcare professional. They may recommend further testing or evaluation to determine the underlying causes and appropriate management.
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Regular Monitoring: If you're not currently in regular contact with a healthcare provider, consider scheduling routine check-ups to monitor these levels over time and ensure any significant changes are addressed promptly.
Feel free to reach out if you need more details or have specific concerns about your health!
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