Acute Renal Insufficiency Renal Failure

Acute renal failure occurs when the filtering function of thekidneys changes suddenly. The kidneys are not able to maintain healthy bodyfunction.

What is going on in the body?

The kidneys filter the blood in the body and produce urine.They clear the body of many drugs and toxins. They also producehormones and control blood pressure. The blood flow to each kidney issupplied by a large artery. Blood flow to the kidneys is crucial both forkidney health and to allow the kidneys to perform their functions ofcleaning and maintaining the blood. Anything that leads to a suddendrop in blood flow to the kidneys can cause acute renal failure.When this happens, the regular functions of the kidneys can be alteredor destroyed.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

The following can lead to acute renal failure:

Kidneys that have preexisting disease or damage are athigher risk for acute renal failure.

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

At first, there are no specific signs or symptoms of acuterenal failure. But as the disease gets worse, many people havedecreased urine output. As a result, fluid builds up in the body tissuesand organs. Here are some common symptoms of acute renal failure:

How is the disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis of acute renal failure begins with a medical historyand physical exam. The doctor may order blood tests and urine studies.Ultrasoundimaging of the kidneys can help pinpoint the cause of the disorder.

What can be done to prevent the disease?

Acute renal failure can’t always be prevented. Drugs thatcan damage the kidneys should be avoided. Persons with preexistingkidney disease need to be very careful to avoid certain medicines that areknown to affect kidney function.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Most cases of acute renal failure will resolve withsupportive therapy. Having had acute renal failure does not mean a personis at risk for long-term kidney damage. However, a person who has underlyingkidney disease may not completely recover healthy kidney function. Sometimes,a person can develop progressive kidney damage as a result of acuterenal failure and require long-term dialysistherapy.

What are the risks to others?

Acute renal failure does not put otherpeople at risk.

What are the treatments for the disease?

Diuretic medicines, known as water pills,are sometimes used to help the kidneys get rid of fluid in the body. Inother situations, fluids are given to promote increased blood flow tothe kidneys.

If blood lossor shockhas occurred, blood transfusionsay be given. Salt imbalancesare monitored closely. Medicines can be given to lower elevated electrolyteslevels. Dialysismay be used to replace kidney function until the acute renalfailure resolves. Dialysis is a procedure where the blood flow from a personis redirected through a special machine. The machine filters the blood andthen returns it to the person.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

In most cases, there are few side effects to treatment of acuterenal failure. The complexity of the disease itself can lead to furtherdifficulties though. When dialysisis needed, a large intravenous tube, called a catheter, is placed into a vein in the upperarm or chest. The catheter is used for withdrawing fluids from thebody or adding fluids. This can pose the risk of bleeding or infection.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

After normal kidney function has returned, the person willbe monitored for overall kidney and electrolyte function.

How is the disease monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to thedoctor.