Acute kidney failure: a serious danger close to home

Acute kidney injury (AKI)Acute kidney injury It is a syndrome characterized by a rapid decline in kidney function within hours or days, and in most cases should not exceed 7 days. The main causes are shock or low blood pressure, resulting in the accumulation of waste products in the blood, abnormalities of electrolytes and body water balance, and decreased immune function. With prompt diagnosis and appropriate care, kidney function can return to normal.

Symptoms of acute kidney failure

• UDecreased urine output; some people may not urinate at all, or urinate less than 400 cc per day
• There isSwelling of the arms and legs
• AEasily fatigued, weak, even without heavy exertion
• kNausea, vomiting
• sConfused, more drowsy

Causes of acute kidney failure

• Decreased body fluid volume, e.g., the body loses water from severe diarrhea; severe blood loss from gastrointestinal bleeding or internal organs; or blood loss from an accident
• Sudden abnormally low or high blood pressure
• Medications or toxins, including dietary supplements and herbal remedies
• Acute nephritis caused by medication, infection, or an autoimmune immune system attacking the body's own tissues
• Urinary tract obstruction, such as from urinary tract stones, enlarged prostate, and bilateral hydronephrosis
• Bloodstream infection (sepsis)

Treatment

• Treat the cause, e.g., stop the causative medication; provide adequate IV fluids in patients with dehydration or shock.
• Control blood pressure to normal.
• Avoid nephrotoxic substances and adjust drug dosages appropriately.
• Treat with renal replacement therapy when the kidneys cannot function, along with severe uremia, severe electrolyte abnormalities, or pulmonary edema.