What is the effect of high ammonia levels in the blood?

High ammonia levels in the blood, a condition known as hyperammonemia, primarily affect the brain, leading to cognitive dysfunction. Ammonia is a byproduct of protein metabolism, and when the liver is unable to convert it into urea efficiently (for excretion via urine), it accumulates in the bloodstream. Elevated ammonia levels can result in neurological symptoms due to the toxic effects ammonia has on the central nervous system. Patients often present with altered mental status, confusion, disorientation, and in severe cases, may progress to encephalopathy or coma.

The connection between high ammonia levels and cognitive dysfunction is well-established in clinical practice, especially in conditions like hepatic encephalopathy, where liver dysfunction contributes to the buildup of ammonia, severely impacting brain function. This understanding highlights the importance of monitoring and managing ammonia levels in patients with liver disease to prevent neurological complications.