Elevated Urinary Noradrenaline and Associated Conditions

• Pheochromocytoma or Paraganglioma – Excess urinary noradrenaline is a key marker for these catecholamine-producing tumors.
• Chronic Stress or Catecholamine Overdrive – Persistently high excretion may also be seen in systemic stress or dysautonomia.

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Urinary Levels and Adrenal Function

• Normal Findings – In the absence of pathology, urinary levels will typically be low.
• Adrenal Hypofunction – In cases of adrenal failure (e.g., autoimmune adrenalitis), levels can be diminished.

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Urinary Catecholamines Across Age Groups

• Pediatric Populations – Neuroblastoma (a childhood tumor) may be associated with abnormal urinary catecholamine levels.
• Adults – The test chiefly helps rule in or out neuroendocrine tumors and is influenced by stress, medications, and overall autonomic function.

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Catecholamines (Sympathetic Mediators)

Dopamine, noradrenaline (measured both in blood and urine), and adrenaline (measured in urine) all belong to the catecholamine family.

They are synthesized sequentially from tyrosine, with dopamine serving as the precursor to both noradrenaline and adrenaline.

Blood levels of noradrenaline reflect immediate sympathetic nervous system activity, while urinary measurements of noradrenaline and adrenaline offer a cumulative view of catecholamine production and clearance over time.

Together, these markers provide a comprehensive picture of sympathetic activity and stress response.

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