Sudden and sustained deterioration of the kidney function characterized by decreased glomerular filtration rate, increased serum creatinine or oliguria
Symptoms of Acute Renal Failure
The following features are indicative of Acute Renal Failure:
fatigue
loss of appetite
headache
nausea
vomiting
abnormal heart rhythms
rashes
decreased urine output
fluid retention
swelling in legs, ankles or feet
drowsiness
shortness of breath
confusion
seizures or coma in severe cases
chest pain or pressure
It is possible that Acute Renal Failure shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.
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Common Causes of Acute Renal Failure
The following are the most common causes of Acute Renal Failure:
acute tubular necrosis (ATN)
autoimmune kidney disease
cholesterol emboli
decreased blood flow
disorders causing clotting within the kidney blood vessels
acute pyelonephritis or septicemia infections
Other Causes of Acute Renal Failure
The following are the less common causes of Acute Renal Failure:
pregnancy complications like placenta abruption or placenta previa
urinary tract blockage
use of illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin
HIV drugs use
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use
use of certain blood pressure medicines
Risk Factors for Acute Renal Failure
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Acute Renal Failure:
being hospitalized for a serious condition
advanced age
peripheral artery disease
diabetes
hypertension
heart failure
kidney diseases
liver diseases
Prevention of Acute Renal Failure
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Acute Renal Failure. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
take over-the-counter pain medications carefully
follow doctor's recommendations for any prior kidney disease
make a healthy lifestyle
Occurrence of Acute Renal Failure
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Acute Renal Failure cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Acute Renal Failure can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Acute Renal Failure can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Acute Renal Failure
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Acute Renal Failure:
Urine output measurements: To determine the cause of kidney failure
Urinalysis: To reveal abnormalities regarding kidney failure
Serum creatinine test: To measure kidney function
Urea test: To measure kidney function
Ultrasound: To check kidney functions
Computerized tomography: To check kidney functions
Kidney biopsy: To check for kidney abnormalities
Doctor for Diagnosis of Acute Renal Failure
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Acute Renal Failure:
Nephrologist
Complications of Acute Renal Failure if untreated
Yes, Acute Renal Failure causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Acute Renal Failure is left untreated:
fluid buildup in lungs
muscle weakness
chest pain
death
Procedures for Treatment of Acute Renal Failure
The following procedures are used to treat Acute Renal Failure:
Dialysis: To remove toxins from blood
Self-care for Acute Renal Failure
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Acute Renal Failure:
Avoid high salt food: Helps protect kidneys from further damage
Limit phosphorus intake: Helps maintaining bone health and prevents skin itchiness
Patient Support for Treatment of Acute Renal Failure
The following actions may help Acute Renal Failure patients:
Consult renal social worker: Provides emotional support
Consult mental health counselor or psychiatrist: Helps coping with depression and other mental health issues
Family and friends support: Strong support system of family and friends helps dealing with problems and life changes
Time for Treatment of Acute Renal Failure
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Acute Renal Failure to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision: