by Madeline Vann, MPH
En Espaol (Spanish Version) Acute renal failure is the sudden loss of kidney function. Kidneys clean waste from the blood and manage the balance of fluid in the body. The condition can be reversed with timely medical intervention, such as dialysis , which is a process that cleans the blood.
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
There are many possible causes of sudden kidney failure because there are three anatomical sites for problems to occur in the renal system: before the blood enters the kidneys, within the kidney , and after the urine is processed by the kidney and enters the ureters.
Sudden kidney failure can result from problems with blood flow to the kidney, which can be caused by blood loss or dehydration. It can also result from conditions such as infections that interfere with the work of the kidney.
The most common cause of sudden kidney failure occurs inside the kidney. Known as acute tubular necrosis, it is the death of the cells inside the kidney that act as the blood's filter. These cells die when they are deprived of oxygen, often due to surgical complications or the side effects of certain medicines. Physical problems, such as swollen prostate glands or kidney stones that prevent urine from moving easily out of the kidney into the ureters, can also cause sudden kidney failure.
Risk FactorsA risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The following factors increase your chance of developing acute renal failure. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor: Having a chronic disease, such as diabetes , kidney disease, heart disease ( eg, congestive heart failure ), liver disease, or high blood pressureAdvanced ageDehydrationBleeding especially from the gastrointestinal tractCertain medications are potentially toxic to the kidneyfor example, antibiotics such as sulfa drugs, chemotherapeutic drugs, radiocontrast material, and illegal drugs (eg, heroin)Complications following surgeries or care in an intensive care unit (ICU)Overuse of certain over-the-counter painkillers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)for example, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and ketoprofenUse of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors Obstructive causes (eg, benign prostatic hypertrophy , bladder tumor) Symptoms Many people do not have any symptoms, but symptoms can include the following: Swelling throughout the bodyLess frequent urinationDark-colored urineTirednessConfusionNausea or vomitingGeneralized muscle weakness or muscle crampsNo appetiteMetallic taste In severe cases, coma or seizures DiagnosisYou may be referred to a kidney specialist (nephrologist) for diagnosis and treatment. Your doctors will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Your doctor will ask about any medications you are taking and will order blood and/or urine tests to look for signs of kidney failure, including abnormal levels of electrolytes, blood urea, nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (an acid that promotes muscle growth), and red blood cells.
The amount of urine produced over several hours can also be considered for diagnosis, since kidney failure affects urine production. Urine will also be examined for color and any unusual content that might indicate infection. The nephrologist may also require a kidney ultrasound , CT scan , MRI , or even an examination of the bladder for stones. Treatment The treatment for acute renal failure will depend on the exact cause and severity of the event. Your doctor may recommend any of the following: Undergoing dialysisTreating obstruction with a catheter or stentMaintaining adequate blood volume with fluids given intravenouslyStopping medications or drugs that caused the loss of functionTreating related problems, such as kidney stones or infectionsIncorporating a diet with limited protein intake, supervised by a physician PreventionTo help reduce your chance of acute kidney failure, take the following steps: Get a physical every year that includes a urine test to monitor your kidney's health.Drink water and other fluids to stay hydrated.Don't take drugs or other substances that can damage your kidneys. Check with your doctor to find out about the potential side effects of any medications you are taking.People at risk for chronic kidney disease (eg, those with a pre-existing kidney disease or kidney stone) should get more frequent check-ups at their doctor's office. RESOURCES:
National Kidney Disease Education Programhttp://www.nkdep.nih.gov/ National Kidney Foundationhttp://www.kidney.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: BC Health Guidehttp://www.bchealthguide.org/ The Kidney Foundation of Canadahttp://www.kidney.ca/ References: Acute renal failure. DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed102.ebscohost.com/Detail.aspx?id=114941 .Accessed June 6, 2007. Hilton R. Acute renal failure. BMJ . 2006;333:786-790. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17038736 .Accessed June 6, 2007. Needham E. Management of acute renal failure. Am Fam Physician . 2005;72:1739-1746. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20051101/1739.html .Accessed June 6, 2007. Rondon-Berrios H, Palevsky PM. Treatment of acute kidney injury: an update on the management of renal replacement therapy. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. 2007;16:64-70 Venkataraman R, Kellum JA. Prevention of acute renal failure. Chest. 2007;131:300-308. Last reviewed November 2007 by David Juan, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
