INJURY | PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER | PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY | INJURIES

Explanation and Causes:

Metabolism is one of the largest components in keeping our body functioning properly. The largest components of our metabolism are our kidneys. They filter our blood of all the toxins that the body produces such as urea, uric acid and creatinine. Not only do they filter out the harmful substances but they also make sure the body retains exactly the right amounts of sugars, amino acids, calcium, and many other things that are good and necessary for the body. When the kidneys start to shut down or lose efficiency for any reason medical professionals should be consulted immediately.

There are several causes that can lead to acute kidney failure. Among them include:

• Blood clot in the vessels in the kidneys
• Dramatic decrease in blood flow, which could be caused by one of the following:
  • Bleeding
  • Dehydration
  • Infection
  • Traumatic Injury
  • Surgery
  • Malignant Hypertension
  • Obstruction of the ureters or bladder or prostate
  • Transfusion reaction
  • Idiopathic thrombocytopenia
  • Scleroderma

Symptoms:

Symptoms include:

• Decrease in urine output
• Nausea/vomiting
• Fluid Retention
• Drowsiness
• Shortness of Breath
• Fatigue/confusion
• Seizures/Coma
• Excessive urination at night
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Edema in the limbs
• Decreased sensation
• Persistent hiccups
• Itchy skin
• Bloody stools
• Decreased Appetite
• Nosebleeds
• Increased blood pressure

Because acute renal failure doesn’t just happen, it becomes in itself a symptom to the causes listed above.

Diagnosis and Tests:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Creatinine clearance test

These tests will show the potassium levels will be close to life threatening levels.

To rule out blockage and problems physician will conduct:

• MRI
• CT scan
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Kidney biopsy

Treatment:

First and foremost is to treat the cause of renal failure. Stay at a hospital might be necessary so as to monitor and control excess fluid, potassium and possibly start dialysis. Home treatment would include eating high carbohydrates, low protein, and low potassium. Calcium, glucose, or sodium polystyrene sulfonate are all used to help keep potassium low.

Maintaining a low potassium level will keep renal patients from cardiac arrythmias. It will also keep the kidneys functioning well without being overloaded.

Prevention: