Acute Renal Failure
Also known as: Acute Tubular Necrosis
What is it?
Acute renal failure is a temporary condition in
which kidney function declines rapidly. The
kidneys become unable to filter wastes from the
body, maintain the proper balance of water and
chemicals such as sodium and potassium in the
bloodstream, or produce urine. Acute Renal Failure
is also called acute tubular necrosis.
Who gets it?
Acute renal failure can occur in anyone with an
illness or injury that affects the kidneys. It is
not limited to any age group or ethnic background.
What causes it?
The most common causes of acute renal failure
are dehydration, serious illnesses that cause
heart or liver failure, severe blood loss, shock,
or traumatic injury such as a burn. It may also
occur in: those with conditions that block the
flow of urine, such as kidney stones, tumors, or
enlarged or inflamed prostate gland; those with a
blood infection (sepsis); or those with kidney
damage caused by kidney disease or exposure to a
toxic (poisonous) substance.
What are the symptoms?
When the kidneys fail, toxins and fluids build
up in the bloodstream. The excess fluid causes
swelling (edema), usually in the hands, feet,
face, and abdomen. The extra fluid also causes the
blood pressure to rise. Other symptoms may include
nausea, fatigue, confusion, joint pain, reduced
urination, blood in the urine, seizures,
headaches, itching, and pain in the kidney area.
Acute renal failure can result in chronic renal
failure, a life-long condition caused by permanent
damage to the kidneys.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose acute renal failure, your doctor
will review your medical history and symptoms to
determine the cause of your condition. He or she
will perform a thorough physical examination,
checking specifically for any enlargement or
tenderness in the kidney area. You may be referred
to a nephrologist, who specializes in kidney
function. Your doctor will order blood and urine
tests to check levels of waste products, sodium,
and potassium in your bloodstream and urine.
Levels of a waste product called creatinine and
urea will be high in patients with renal failure.
Your physician will check your bladder and may
need to insert a tube, called a catheter, into the
bladder to remove urine. Your doctor will also
order ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, which
produce a picture of the kidneys and surrounding
structures. In some cases, a biopsy is necessary.
In this procedure, a small sample of kidney tissue
is removed for examination under a microscope.
What is the treatment?
Treatment for acute renal failure depends upon
the cause. For example, when this condition is
caused by severe blood loss or dehydration, kidney
function can be regained by replacing blood and
fluids intravenously. Surgery and/or medication
may be needed by patients whose kidney failure is
caused by tumors, prostate disorders, or kidney
stones. All patients in kidney failure are
monitored for intake and output of fluids so
treatment and medications can be adjusted as
necessary. In severe cases, patients will need
dialysis, a procedure in which waste products are
filtered from the blood for the kidneys. While
dialysis is usually necessary for the short term,
until the kidneys have regained full function,
there is a possibility that the kidneys will
suffer permanent damage. In these cases, the
patient will require life-long dialysis, or a
kidney transplant.
Self-care tips
If you are at risk for acute renal failure
because of kidney disease or other conditions that
can affect the kidneys, it is important to follow
your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and
prevention of kidney complications. If you have
been diagnosed with acute renal failure, follow
your doctor’s recommendations for monitoring salt,
protein, and fluid intake.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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