Definition

Acute renal failure is the sudden loss of kidney function. Kidneys clean waste from the blood and manage the balance of fluid in the body.

Causes

There are many possible causes of sudden kidney failure because there are three anatomical sites for problems to occur in the renal system: before the blood enters the kidneys, within the kidneys, and after the urine is processed by the kidneys and enters the ureters.

Sudden kidney failure can result from problems with blood flow to the kidney, which can be caused by

acute renal artery obstruction,

blood loss, or dehydration. It can also result from conditions such as infections that interfere with the work of the kidney.

The most common cause of sudden kidney failure occurs inside the kidney. Acute tubular necrosis is the death of the cells inside the kidney that act as the blood’s filter. These cells die when they are deprived of oxygen. This can be due to surgical complications, inflammatory processes, blood clots, or the side effects of certain medications. Physical problems, such as swollen prostate glands or kidney stones can also cause sudden kidney failure.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of acute renal failure include:

• Having a chronic disease, such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, or high blood pressure
• Increased age
• Dehydration
• Bleeding, especially from the gastrointestinal tract
• Certain medications and illegal drugs
• Complications following surgeries or care in an intensive care unit (ICU)
• Overuse of certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• Obstructive causes such as benign prostatic hypertrophy and bladder tumor

Symptoms

Most people do not have symptoms. In those that have them acute renal failure may cause:

• Less frequent urination
• Swelling throughout the body
• Dark-colored urine
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle weakness or muscle cramps
• No appetite
• Metallic taste
• In severe cases, coma or seizures

Diagnosis

You will

be referred to a kidney specialist (nephrologist) for diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, including any medications you are taking. A physical exam will be done.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests

Imaging tests evaluate the kidney and surrounding structures. These may include:

• Kidney ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI scan

Treatment

Treatment for acute renal failure will depend on the exact cause and severity. Your doctor may advise:

• Dialysis—a machine used to filter waste from the blood
• A catheter or stent to treat obstruction
• IV fluids to maintain adequate blood volume
• Stopping or changing medications that caused the loss of function
• Treating related problems, such as kidney stones or infections
• A supervised diet that limits protein intake
• Kidney transplant

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of acute kidney failure:

• Get a physical every year that includes a urine test to monitor your kidney health.
• Drink water and other fluids to stay hydrated.
• Don’t take drugs or other substances that can damage your kidneys. Ask about the side effects of any medications you are taking.
• People at risk for chronic kidney disease should get more frequent check-ups at their doctor’s office.

National Kidney Foundation http://www.kidney.org

Kidney Foundation of Canada http://www.kidney.ca

Hilton R. Acute renal failure. BMJ. 2006;333(7572):786-790.

Needham E. Management of acute renal failure. Am Fam Physician. 2005;72(9):1739-1746. Accessed July 13, 2013.

Rondon-Berrios H, Palevsky PM. Treatment of acute kidney injury: An update on the management of renal replacement therapy. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. 2007;16(2):64-70.

Venkataraman R, Kellum JA. Prevention of acute renal failure. Chest. 2007;131(1):300-308.