Acute renal failure (ARF) occurs when the kidneys suddenly stop functioning properly and cannot filter waste products from the blood. Complications of ARF can include fluid overload, electrolyte imbalance, acidosis, and uremia, as well as heart, lungs, brain, and other organ damage. ARF is a medical emergency that must be treated and monitored immediately.
ARF can be caused by a variety of factors, depending on whether it is pre-renal, renal, or post-renal. It is caused by factors such as dehydration, blood loss, heart failure, liver failure, or certain medications that reduce or block the blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in pre-renal ARF. Infections, toxins, drugs, blood clots, inflammation, or glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney filters) can damage the kidneys and cause renal ARF. When kidney stones, tumors, enlarged prostates, or blood clots obstruct urine drainage from the kidneys, post-renal ARF occurs.
The symptoms of ARF may vary depending on the severity and duration of kidney dysfunction. Some people may not have any symptoms at all until their condition becomes severe. Others may experience signs and symptoms such as:
Decreased urine output
Swelling of the legs, ankles, feet
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Confusion
Nausea
Weakness
Irregular heartbeat
Chest pain or pressure
Seizures or coma in severe cases
You may also need to undergo some tests and procedures to confirm your diagnosis and determine the cause and extent of your kidney damage in order to diagnose ARF. These may include:
Urine output measurements: To check how much you urinate in 24 hours and detect any signs of reduced kidney function.
Urine tests: To analyze a sample of your urine for abnormalities that suggest kidney failure.
Blood tests: To measure the levels of urea and creatinine in your blood and assess how well your kidneys are filtering waste products.
Imaging tests: To use ultrasound or CT scan to visualize your kidneys and look for any blockages or abnormalities in their structure.
Kidney biopsy: To remove a small piece of kidney tissue for microscopic examination under a microscope.
The main goal of treatment for ARF is to restore normal kidney function as soon as possible and prevent complications. Treatment options include:
Fluid therapy: To correct dehydration or fluid overload caused by pre-renal or post-renal ARF.
Medications: To treat infections (such as antibiotics), toxins (such as chelation therapy), blood clots (such as anticoagulants), inflammation (such as steroids), electrolyte imbalance (such as calcium supplements), acidosis (such as bicarbonate infusion), uremia (such as dialysis).
Surgery: To remove any obstructions in the urinary tract caused by kidney stones or tumors.
Dialysis: To artificially filter waste products from your blood using a machine that mimics the function of your kidneys.
ARF can be prevented by taking some measures to protect your kidneys from damage and maintain good health. Some preventive strategies are:
Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated but avoid excessive fluid intake that can cause swelling.
Limit your intake of salt (sodium) that can increase blood pressure and strain on your kidneys.
Avoid smoking that can damage your blood vessels and reduce blood flow to your kidneys.
Control your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes that can affect your kidney function.
Follow your doctor’s advice on taking medications that can harm your kidneys if you have chronic conditions such as heart disease or liver disease.
Seek medical attention promptly if you notice any signs or symptoms of kidney problems.
