Acute renal failure

Acute kidney injury (AKI), previously called acute renal failure (ARF), is a rapid loss of kidney function. Its causes are numerous and include low blood volume, exposure to toxins, and prostate enlargement. AKI is diagnosed on the basis of clinical history, such as decreased urine production, and characteristic laboratory findings, such as elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Depending on its severity, AKI may lead to a number of complic... more

Acute kidney injury (AKI), previously called acute renal failure (ARF), is a rapid loss of kidney function. Its causes are numerous and include low blood volume, exposure to toxins, and prostate enlargement. AKI is diagnosed on the basis of clinical history, such as decreased urine production, and characteristic laboratory findings, such as elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Depending on its severity, AKI may lead to a number of complications, including metabolic acidosis, high potassium levels, changes in body fluid balance, and effects to other organ systems. Management includes supportive care, such as renal replacement therapy, as well as treatment of the underlying disorder. Acute kidney injury is common among hospitalized patients. It affects some 3-7% of patients admitted to the hospital and approximately 25-30% of patients in the intensive care unit. The myriad causes of acute kidney injury are commonly categorised into prerenal, intrinsic, and postrenal. Prerenal... less