Catecholamines in urine

Catecholamines in urine

Clinical significance

The catecholamines: epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine are produced by the adrenal medullary cellsórs. The release of catecholamines occurs in response to such stimuli as exercise, stress, hypoxia, ból, hypoglycemia. Released into the circulation, catecholamines through adrenergic receptors affect various organs in the body. An increase in the production of catecholamines also occurs in the presence of a neoplasm originating from pheochromocytoma cells, the so-called pheochromocytoma located most often in the adrenal glands. Clinical manifestations of the tumor are usually paroxysmal hypertension accompanied by headacheóle, excessive sweating, pallor and tachycardia. Determination of catecholamines and their metabolitesós is useful in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. The greatest diagnostic value is the determination in blood drawn during the onset of clinical symptomsós. The test is performed in a daily collectionóurine acidified with 6M HCl

The test is performed in a daily collectionóurine, and requires acidification with 6M HCL. Diet, exercise and someóre medications can affect the concentration of methoxycatecholamines. Products such as – alcohol, coffee (including decaffeinated), tea, chocolate, vanilla, walnuts, bananas, oranges and other citrus fruits should be avoided for a few days before the test and during the urine collectionór. Before starting the DZM, consult with your doctor about the necessity of discontinuing medicationsóthat may affect the test result.