Signs of Renal failure, acute (Sudden kidney failure)

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 build up 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 with diabetes and high blood pressure being the most common. Other causes include infections, medication reactions, auto immune diseases, trauma, severe dehydration and burns.

Symptoms

Decrease in amount of urine (oliguria), urination stops (anuria), excessive urination at night (nocturia), ankle swelling, leg swelling, generalized swelling, increasing size of abdomen, decreased sensation, metallic taste in mouth, changes in mental status or mood, seizures, hand tremor (shaking), nausea or vomiting, bruising easily, prolonged bleeding, nosebleeds, bloody stools, flank pain, fatigue, high blood pressure.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to establish the diagnosis, determine the cause, and measure the damage done by the kidney failure will be done. The renal ultrasound is considered the most effective imaging study.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
UA
X-Ray
EKG
CT Scan
MRI
Ultrasound

Treatment

Once the cause is found, the goal of treatment is to restore kidney function and prevent fluid and waste from building up in the body. Treatment options 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. For additional information contact the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse at: http://www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov or call (800)891-5390.