Description A sudden failure of...
Description
A sudden failure of the kidneys to function. Kidneys are essential to maintain the fluid balance in the body and control the body's chemistry. Kidney failure leads to a buildup of fluid and an increase in waste products in the blood stream. One serious side effect is an elevation in the body's potassium level which can lead to life threatening heart arrhythmias and death. There are many causes of this disorder. Common causes of acute kidney failure include infections, use of dye for CT scans or heart studies, medication reactions, auto immune diseases, severe dehydration, blocked flow of urine.
Symptoms
Acute renal failure may not cause any symptoms, until it progresses to a late stage. Decrease in amount of urine (oliguria), urination stops (anuria), excessive urination at night (nocturia), ankle swelling, leg swelling, generalized swelling, increasing size of abdomen, metallic taste in mouth, changes in mental status or mood, seizures, hand tremor (shaking), nausea or vomiting, fatigue, high blood pressure, itching.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests show kidney function. A renal ultrasound is done to check for blocked drainage from the kidneys (this is a fixable cause of acute renal failure, but it must be found quickly for best chances of recovery).
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Arterial blood gas (ABG), urine chemistry tests
Specialists:
Nephrology, Pediatric Nephrology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests show kidney function. A renal ultrasound is done to check for blocked drainage from the kidneys (this is a fixable cause of acute renal failure, but it must be found quickly for best chances of recovery).
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Arterial blood gas (ABG), urine chemistry tests
Specialists:
Nephrology, Pediatric Nephrology
Treatment
Once the cause is found, the treatment may be obvious. Usually IV fluids are given to see if this can improve the function of the kidneys. Treatment may also include dietary and fluid restrictions, diuretics (water pills), and/or dialysis. If there is an associated life threatening potassium elevation emergent treatment may be needed to bring the potassium level down including: Kayexalate, insulin and glucose, intravenous calcium, and sodium bicarbonate.