Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

How high can ammonia levels go?

Hi everyone.  My Dad is in hospital with cirrhosis of liver and they cannot seem to get his ammonia levels down.  He is being flooded with lactulose but the levels are staying between 55-60.  He is hallucinating and angry and depressed.  I’ve read other posts where people talk about ammonia levels in the hundreds and I’m really confused. How high can they get? How high before you go into a coma? He is only 65.  
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Symptoms are relative to the person. When I was diagnosed(5 yrs ago) ammonia was 110 and I was given 6 months to live( 5 yrs ago ). Doing every thing I was supposed to,  to stay alive.  Now I can function well at 120 with confusing setting in after that. Now I am in hospital almost every week with bleeding issues from low platelets and hemoglobin. My highest was 190 and had no brain issues. confusing huh?
Helpful - 0
683231 tn?1467323017
So sorry to hear about your father I am sure this is so difficult to live through for you.

The scale for this test is 9.5-49 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) I am sure there is not a specific number for coma as it likely varies between patients.

The symptoms he experiencing is called hepatic encephalopathy which is related to high ammonia blood levels.

Does he have any other symptoms of cirrhosis like ascities, jaundice or muscle waisting?

I am assuming your father has advanced decompensated liver cirrhosis. Is he eligible for a liver transplant?

Unfortunately the only thing that can change his prognosis at this point if he does have decompensated cirrhosis is a liver transplant.

Have you spoken to his doctors about his prognosis and what his options are? They really will be best to advise you about what to expect.

I am assuming he is in the care of a liver transplant center unless he is in hospice for palliative care.

My heart goes out to you father you and his family in this difficult time.

Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Cirrhosis of the Liver Community

Top Hepatitis Answerers
317787 tn?1473358451
DC
683231 tn?1467323017
Auburn, WA
Avatar universal
Ro, Romania
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.