Definition:
Acute kidney failure is the sudden loss of the kidneys' ability to perform their main function — eliminate excess fluid and electrolytes as well as waste material from the blood. When the kidneys lose their filtering ability, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and waste accumulate in the body.
Diagnosis:
Ultrasound is the imaging test most frequently used in diagnosing kidney failure, but the doctor may also order an abdominal computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
In a few cases, the doctor may remove a small sample (biopsy) of kidney tissue and send it to a laboratory for microscopic examination to identify the cause of acute kidney failure.
Treatment:
Most of the time, the patient needs to undergo temporary hemodialysis — often referred to simply as "dialysis" — to help remove toxins and excess fluids from the body while the kidneys heal. Dialysis, which is a mechanical way of filtering waste from the blood, is an imperfect but lifesaving substitute for kidney function.
Symptoms and Signs:
Signs and symptoms of acute kidney failure may include: decreased urine output, although occasionally urine output remains normal; fluid retention, causing swelling in the legs, ankles or feet; drowsiness; shortness of breath; fatigue; confusion; seizures or coma in severe cases; chest pain related to pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac-like membrane that envelops the heart.
Causes:
Acute kidney failure may be caused by urinary tract infections, accidental kidney damage, or drug abuse.
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