Known also as acute kidney injury (AKI), acute kidney failure occurs when kidney function suddenly drops over a short period of time. In this blog post, we discuss acute kidney failure's causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Acute kidney failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Conditions such as dehydration, severe bleeding, low blood pressure (hypotension), or shock can decrease blood flow to the kidneys, impairing their function.
Acute kidney injury can result from conditions such as infections, kidney stones, inflammation, or toxins (such as medications, contrast dyes, or heavy metals).
Blockages in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones, tumors, or an enlarged prostate gland, can obstruct urine flow and damage the kidneys.
There are certain systemic diseases that may affect kidney function and lead to acute kidney failure, such as sepsis, multiple myeloma, lupus, or certain autoimmune diseases.
Acute kidney failure may cause the following symptoms:
Reduced urine output, or oliguria, is a common symptom of acute kidney injury.
Swelling (edema) in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes caused by fluid retention.
Fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema) causes shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Feelings of fatigue, weakness, or lethargy.
Severe cases can result in impaired cognitive function, confusion, or changes in mental status.
There may be nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite in some individuals.
A fluid overload or electrolyte imbalance can cause chest discomfort or pressure.
In order to diagnose acute kidney failure, a combination of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies is necessary. Diagnostic assessments include:
A blood test measures serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), electrolytes, and other markers of kidney function.
Analyzing urine for blood, protein, or other abnormalities.
MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound can be used to evaluate the size, structure, and function of the kidneys.
In certain cases, a renal biopsy may be performed to obtain a sample of kidney tissue for microscopic examination.
Acute kidney failure is treated by addressing the underlying cause, managing symptoms, and preventing complications. Options may include:
Maintenance of hydration, correction of electrolyte imbalances, and kidney support may be achieved with intravenous fluids and electrolyte supplementation.
It may be necessary to adjust medications, particularly those that can aggravate kidney injury (such as certain antibiotics or NSAIDs).
Acute kidney failure must be managed by treating underlying conditions, such as infections, urinary tract obstructions, or systemic diseases.
In severe cases of acute kidney injury, dialysis may be required to remove waste products and excess fluids.
Acute kidney failure can be prevented by:
Maintain adequate hydration by drinking plenty of fluids, especially during illness or physical exertion.
Prevent kidney injury by avoiding nephrotoxic medications, particularly NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, and contrast dye.
Acute kidney failure can be reduced by managing underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and urinary tract obstructions.
Acute kidney injury can be detected and managed early through regular monitoring of kidney function and medical follow-up.
