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Acute kidney failure Health Article

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Identifying Kidney Failure

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Definition

Acute (sudden) kidney failure is the sudden loss of the ability of the kidneys to remove waste and concentrate urine without losing electrolytes.

Alternative Names

Kidney failure; Renal failure; Renal failure - acute; ARF

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

There are many possible causes of kidney damage. They include:

Decreased blood flow, which may occur with extremely low blood pressure caused by trauma, surgery, serious illnesses, septic shock, hemorrhage, burns, or dehydration
Acute tubular necrosis (ATN)
Infections that directly injury the kidney such as acute pyelonephritis or septicemia
Urinary tract obstruction (obstructive uropathy)
Autoimmune kidney disease such as interstitial nephritis or acute nephritic syndrome
Disorders that cause clotting within the thin blood vessels of the kidney
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic thrombotic purpura (ITTP
- Transfusion reaction
- Malignant hypertension
- Scleroderma
- Hemolytic-uremic syndrome
- Disorders of childbirth, such as bleeding placenta abruptio or placenta previa

Symptoms

Decrease in amount of urine (oliguria)
Urination stops (anuria)
Excessive urination at night
Ankle feet and leg swelling
Generalized swelling, fluid retention
Decreased sensation, especially in the hands or feet
Decreased appetite
Metallic taste in mouth
Persistent hiccups
Changes in mental status or mood
- Agitation
- Drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Delirium or confusion
- Coma
- Mood changes
- Trouble paying attention
- Hallucinations
Slow, sluggish, movements
Seizures
Hand tremor (shaking)
Nausea or vomiting, may last for days
Brusing easily
Prolonged bleeding
Nosebleeds
Bloody stools
Flank pain (between the ribs and hips)
Fatigue
Breath odor
High blood pressure

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Reviewer Info: David M. Charytan, M.D., M.Sc., Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 08/03/2006

Table of Contents

Definition Alternative Names Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests Treatment Support Groups Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

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