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Definition
Acute (sudden) kidney failure is the sudden loss of the ability of the kidneys to remove waste and concentrate urine without losing electrolytes.
Alternative Names
Kidney failure; Renal failure; Renal failure - acute; ARF; Kidney injury - acute
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
There are many possible causes of kidney damage. They include:
- Acute tubular necrosis (ATN)
- Autoimmune kidney disease, including:
- Decreased blood flow due to very low blood pressure, which can result from:
- Burns
- Dehydration
- Hemorrhage
- Injury
- Septic shock
- Serious illness
- Surgery
- Disorders that cause clotting within the kidney's blood vessels:
- Infections that directly injury the kidney such as:
- Pregnancy complications, including:
- Urinary tract obstruction
Symptoms
- Bloody stools
- Breath odor
- Brusing easily
- Changes in mental statusor mood
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased sensation, especially in the hands or feet
- Fatigue
- Flank pain (between the ribs and hips)
- Hand tremor
- High blood pressure
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Nausea or vomiting, may last for days
- Nosebleeds
- Persistent hiccups
- Prolonged bleeding
- Seizures
- Slow, sluggish movements
- Swelling - generalized (fluid retention)
- Swelling of the ankle, feet, and leg swelling
- Urination changes:
- Decrease in amount of urine
- Excessive urination at night
- Urination stops completely
Signs and tests
Many patients have generalized swelling caused by fluid retention. The doctor may hear a heart murmur, crackles in the lungs, or signs of inflammation of the lining of the heart when listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope.
The results of laboratory tests may change suddenly (within a few days to 2 weeks). Such tests may include:
A kidney or abdominal ultrasound is the preferred test for diagnosing kidney failure, but abdominal x-ray, abdominal CT scan, or abdominal MRI can tell if there is a blockage in the urinary tract.
Blood tests may help reveal the underlying cause of kidney failure. Arterial blood gas and blood chemistries may show metabolic acidosis.
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Reviewer Info: Parul Patel, MD, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology and Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, Affiliated with California Pacific Medical Center, Department of Transplantation, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 07/11/2008 |
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