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.
|
