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Acute Renal Failure

Acute-Renal-Failure
Alternative Names: 

Acute Kidney Failure

Definition: 

Acute renal failure is the medical term used to describe the sudden loss of kidney function. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located near the back and below the rib cage. Their primary function is to eliminate waste products from the blood, but they also release hormones that stimulate the production of red blood cells, manage blood pressure and regulate calcium levels. When the kidneys suddenly lose the ability to perform these functions properly, dangerous levels of toxins can accrue in the blood and pose the potential for serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

Symptoms: 

Symptoms of acute renal failure may include:

  • Reduced urination
  • Edema
  • Drowsiness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Confusion
  • Chest pain

In severe cases of acute kidney failure, seizures or coma may occur.

Exams/Testing: 

An ultrasound is commonly used in the diagnosis of acute kidney failure. This test provides a picture of the kidneys without the use of invasive measures. Your doctor may also conduct CT scans, MRIs and x-rays to help detect acute renal failure.

Your doctor may listen to your heartbeat for abnormalities that can be signs of acute renal failure such as murmurs, lung crackles and indications of inflammation.

Your doctor may perform a variety of blood tests to detect high levels of substances that should be regulated by the kidneys such as creatinine and potassium. Your doctor may also conduct a urinalysis to determine the levels of toxic chemicals being eliminated by the body.

Outlook/Prognosis: 

Acute renal failure is a serious complication that can result in permanent damage and, in some cases, death. Treatment plans must first address the underlying cause of renal failure and may vary widely among patients.

However, most patients who experience acute kidney failure must undergo temporary hemodialysis. Hemodialysis is a process in which the blood is pumped out of the body and then filtered through a machine that mimics the cleansing activity of the kidneys before being pumped back into the body.

Patients may also need to adhere to restrictive diets or use vitamin supplements to ensure that toxic levels of substances such as potassium do not accumulate in the blood. Patients may be given antibiotics to defend the body against infection and may also be given medications known as diuretics to stimulate the elimination of fluid in the kidneys.

Causes (specific drugs):

Valacyclovir
Valtrex
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