Kidney failure occurs when certain abnormalities within the kidneys prevent them from functioning normally, leading to chemical imbalances and the buildup of toxic (poisonous) substances and fluid within the body. This can eventually lead to organ damage and possibly death.

There are two forms of kidney failure. In the acute form, there is a sudden malfunction of the kidneys, leading to a rapid buildup of toxins and fluid within the body, often within several hours. In the chronic form of kidney failure, there is a slow, progressive deterioration of kidney function, leading to a buildup of toxins and fluid, often occurring over several months or years.

Causes

Numerous conditions can cause kidney failure. High blood pressure, kidney stones or other urinary tract blockage, adverse reactions to chemicals or drugs, serious injury, infectious disease, shock after surgery, heart attack, blood transfusion with incompatible blood, severe dehydration, complications during pregnancy, immunologic disease, and congenital (existing from birth) kidney defects may all lead to kidney failure.

Symptoms

The most characteristic symptoms of kidney failure are a reduction in the volume of urine and edema (excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissues). As a result, the feet and hands and the area around the eyes may swell and become puffy. The urine may be bloody or cloudy in appearance.

More generalized signs of kidney failure include drowsiness and fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, dry skin, and difficulty in breathing. Delirium, coma, and death will eventually occur in untreated cases.

Diagnosis

Analysis of blood and urine samples is commonly used to diagnose kidney failure. Urine tests may show that white blood cells, sugars, or protein have slipped through the normally efficient filtering system of the kidneys. Similarly, when the kidneys are not filtering waste materials from the blood, blood analysis will detect waste products remaining in the blood. X-ray studies, ultrasound scans of the kidneys, or cystoscopy may identify structural abnormalities or blockage of the kidneys.

Treatment

In the case of acute kidney failure, treatment begins with diagnosing and correcting the cause of the kidney damage and restoring normal kidney function as rapidly as possible. For example, shock may be treated with intravenous fluids, drugs, and, in some cases, blood transfusions.

Rest is essential as the kidneys recover. Limiting fluid intake, except in cases of unusual fluid loss from diarrhea or vomiting, may prevent congestive heart failure due to kidney overload. Physicians often recommend a low-protein diet due to the inability of the kidneys to process the waste products of protein metabolism.

Should these measures prove ineffective, the patient may be helped by dialysis. Dialysis is a process that cleans and filters toxic substances from the blood with an artificial kidney machine. Most dialysis patients receive treatment by traveling to the hospital three times a week. However, newer portable techniques allow more freedom for dialysis patients.

In the case of chronic kidney failure, destruction of the kidney has progressed so much that treatment cannot bring kidney function back to normal. Treatment of kidney failure involves dialysis and a diet low in salt and protein. Dialysis will offer a chance to prolong life, but it is not a cure; only surgically replacing the damaged kidneys can cure the condition. In recent years, methods of matching kidney donors with recipients have improved, thereby limiting transplant rejection and serious complications. Today, kidney transplants have a high rate of success.

Publications International, Ltd.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.