Acute Renal Failure

   Overview of Acute renal failure
   Causes of Acute renal failure
   Signs and symtpoms of Acute renal failure
   Diagnosis of Acute renal failure
   Treatment for Acute renal failure
   Complications of Acute renal failure
   Prevention for Acute renal failure 

Overview of Acute renal failure

Acute renal failure (ARF) refers to the rapid decrease (within a few days to weeks) in the functioning of the kidneys resulting in an inability to clear nitrogenous wastes, concentrate urine, conserve electrolytes and maintain fluid balance in the body. This leads to accumulation of these waste products in the body, which may secondarily affect the normal functioning of the body. Acute renal failure may be caused due to various factors that may affect the normal functioning of the kidneys at various levels such as entry, within the kidneys or at the exit. Acute renal failure is noticed in about 1–5% of patients admitted to the hospital and in about 15–20% of patients admitted in intensive care units (ICUs). It may be mortal if left untreated.^1,2

Causes for Acute renal failure

Causes of Acute renal failure

As mentioned before the cause of Acute renal failure (ARF) can be categorized with respect to different levels as follows 

• Within the kidneys (renal)
• Factors outside the kidneys (pre-renal) 
• At the point of exit of the urine (post-renal)

Treatment of 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.       

Complications of Acute renal failure 

The most severe complication in cases of Acute renal failure (ARF) is death. If left untreated, Acute renal failure (ARF) can progress to become a long-term disorder termed as chronic renal failure that may further be associated various other complications and permanent damage to the kidneys. Altered functioning of the heart and nervous systems are some of the other complications.