ARF

Acute Renal Failure (ARF)

Acute Renal Failure (ARF), also known as Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), is a sudden loss of kidney function that occurs over a short period of time, typically hours to days. This condition results in the kidneys' inability to filter waste products from the blood, leading to an accumulation of toxins and an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes in the body.

Causes

ARF can be caused by a variety of factors, which are generally categorized into three main types:

• Prerenal: Caused by decreased blood flow to the kidneys, often due to severe dehydration, heart failure, or shock.
• Intrinsic renal: Caused by direct damage to the kidneys, such as from glomerulonephritis, acute tubular necrosis, or exposure to nephrotoxic drugs.
• Postrenal: Caused by obstruction of urine flow, which can occur due to conditions like kidney stones, tumors, or an enlarged prostate.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ARF can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Decreased urine output
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion or altered mental status

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of ARF typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Key diagnostic tests include:

• Blood tests to measure levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• Urinalysis to check for abnormalities in the urine
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan to identify any structural abnormalities

Treatment

The treatment of ARF focuses on addressing the underlying cause and supporting kidney function. Treatment options may include:

• Intravenous fluids to correct dehydration
• Medications to manage blood pressure and treat infections
• Dialysis in severe cases to remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with ARF depends on the underlying cause, the severity of the condition, and the promptness of treatment. While some patients may recover full kidney function, others may develop chronic kidney disease or require long-term dialysis.

Related Pages

• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Dialysis
• Nephrology
• Kidney Transplantation
• Glomerulonephritis
• Acute Tubular Necrosis