Treatment for acute renal failure
The main aims of the treatment are to prevent death, remove the cause of renal failure and to prevent permanent damage to the kidneys.
The dosing schedules of the medications that would have caused Acute renal failure (ARF) are readjusted. The underlying conditions or disorders are treated appropriately.
An increase in the potassium levels in the body (hyperkalemia) is one of the main concerns and this may be rectified with the administration of medications such as insulin with glucose, β2-adrenergic agonists or sodium bicarbonate.
Other appropriate medications based on the causative factor and the severity of the condition may be administered. Hemodialysis may be advised in severe cases of hyperkalemia.
The affected individual is usually advised to restrict the water and fluid intake according to the level of functioning of the kidneys. A diet rich with carbohydrates and low in protein, salt and potassium is recommended in order to prevent the load on the kidneys.
With effective treatment, the kidneys can return to their normal functioning ability however this is dependent on various factors such as the age of the individual, severity of the underlying condition and the damage to the kidneys.1,2
Next page: Causes of acute renal failure
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: July 21, 2011