Overview
Kidneys are one of the most important organs of the body, which filter the blood and get rid of toxins. Acute kidney failure is the sudden failure of the kidneys. It happens within a few hours or days.
The primary function of our kidneys is to filter the blood, get rid of toxins, and pass urine. Kidneys are located above the pelvic. When the kidneys stop working suddenly, the condition is known as acute kidney failure.
Alternate Name of Acute Kidney Failure
Acute kidney failure is also known as Acute Renal Failure.
Acute Kidney Failure Causes
There are many causes of acute kidney failure. These are:
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Blood Flow Stops in the Kidneys
This may be because of multiple reasons such as infections, liver failure, side effects of some medicines, Heart Failure, dehydration, low blood pressure, serious burns, or rapid blood loss.
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Blocking of Urine Flow from the Kidney
There are multiple reasons like prostate, Bladder Cancer, cervical, Kidney Stones, blood clots in the kidney; enlarged prostate, or nerve damage in the kidneys.
Acute Kidney Failure Symptoms
The symptoms of acute kidney failure are:
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Sharp pain in the lower back region
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Less urination than normal
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Swelling of ankle, feet, and joints of the body
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Drowsiness and tiredness
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Nausea
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Loss of appetite
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Confusion in decision-making
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Chest pain and uneasiness
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Seizures and in severe cases, coma
Acute Renal Failure Diagnosis
The most common way to determine acute renal failure is through blood tests. Blood tests check for various parameters like the creatinine level in the blood, urea level, and potassium and sodium salt levels in the blood.
The other common test for acute kidney failure is a urine test. The doctor will check for various protein and electrolytes levels in the urine sample and check the urine output per kg per hour.
Acute Kidney Failure Treatment
The majority of acute kidney failure cases can be healed by themselves. However, the doctor may prescribe a course of treatment for faster results. The possible treatment course for acute kidney failure is listed below:
Kidney Dialysis
In cases of severe kidney damage, the doctor may suggest kidney dialysis to filter the blood of toxins and other treatment courses till the kidneys heal by themselves.
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Diet: The doctor may suggest a diet plan which includes less potassium and sodium salts till the kidneys heal by themselves.
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Medications: The doctor may prescribe certain medicines to mitigate the effect of acute kidney failure.
Acute Kidney Failure Preventions
Primary Prevention for Acute Renal Failure
By taking some preventive steps, you can avoid getting acute kidney failure:
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Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating healthy food, drinking lots of water, exercising daily, and refraining from alcohol may prevent acute kidney failure.
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By avoiding non-prescribed pain medications, you can reduce the likelihood of acute kidney failure.
Secondary Prevention for Acute Renal Failure
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Follow your doctor’s advice: If you are suffering from high blood pressure or chronic kidney or liver ailment, you must strictly follow your doctor’s advice to avoid acute kidney failure.
Risk Factors of Acute Kidney Failure
Following are the factors which increase the chances of acute kidney failure:
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Diabetes: Diabetes increases the chances of you getting acute kidney failure
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Prolonged Hospitalization: If you are hospitalized, especially in ICU, for a prolonged period, the chances of acute kidney failure may increase
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Age: Older people are more prone to acute kidney failure
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Blood Pressure: High blood pressure increases the likelihood of acute kidney failure
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Chronic liver and kidney ailments
Possible Complications of Acute Kidney Failure
Many complications may arise due to acute kidney failure. These include chest pain due to the inflammation of the tissues of the chest lining; fluid builds up in the lungs; increased acidity of the blood that may lead to nausea, vomiting, and dizziness; permanent kidney damage which will lead to the patient becoming dependent on dialysis or Kidney Transplant; chronic muscle pain and weakness because of electrolyte imbalance in the body.
Epidemiology of Acute Kidney Failure
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In the United States of America, approximately 1% of the people admitted to hospitals have Acute Kidney Failure at admission.
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Between 2-5% of people admitted to hospitals develop Acute Kidney Failure within 30 days in the USA.
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Nearly 50% of patients in the ICU develop acute kidney failure.
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The mortality rate for acute kidney failure in hospitals is around 40%-50%.
Expected Prognosis of Acute Kidney Failure
The prognosis of acute kidney failure depends on the underlying cause of Kidney Failure. If the acute kidney failure is not because of kidney tissue, the patient's recovery can be quick. However, if the cause of kidney failure is due to the kidney itself, full recovery may take some time. Only highly severe cases of acute kidney failure result in death.
Natural Progression of Acute Kidney Failure
If acute kidney failure is left untreated, it may lead to permanent kidney damage and the build-up of toxins in the body. The patient may need Dialysis for the rest of their life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the role of dialysis in the treatment of acute kidney failure?
Dialysis is a treatment option for acute kidney failure that helps remove waste products and excess fluid from the body when the kidneys are unable to perform their function adequately. It provides temporary support until kidney function improves.
2. Can acute kidney failure lead to chronic kidney disease?
Yes, severe or recurrent episodes of acute kidney failure can increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Regular follow-up and appropriate management are important to prevent the progression of kidney damage.
3. Is acute kidney failure a reversible condition?
Acute kidney failure can be reversible if diagnosed and treated promptly. With appropriate management, addressing the underlying cause, and supportive care, kidney function can often recover, leading to improved health.
4. Are there specialized pediatric nephrology services available for children with acute kidney failure in Delhi?
Yes, there are specialised pediatric nephrology services available in Delhi for the diagnosis and treatment of acute kidney failure in children. Pediatric nephrologists are trained to provide comprehensive care specifically tailored to the needs of pediatric patients.
5. How can I prevent the recurrence of acute kidney failure in Delhi?
The prevention of recurrent acute kidney failure involves addressing and managing the underlying causes and risk factors. This may include controlling blood pressure, managing diabetes effectively, staying well-hydrated, avoiding nephrotoxic medications, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and following any specific recommendations provided by the healthcare team.
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Other Conditions & Treatments
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- Enlarged Prostate
- Gallbladder Stones
- Glomerulonephritis
- Hydrocele
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Pyelonephritis
- Varicocele