Acute tubular necrosis

Acute Tubular Necrosis (ATN) is a medical condition involving the death of tubular epithelial cells that form the renal tubules of the kidneys. This condition can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI) or kidney failure.

Causes

ATN is most commonly caused by ischemia (lack of oxygen) to the kidney area. This can occur from low blood pressure, septic shock, major surgery, trauma, or severe hemorrhage. Other causes include nephrotoxic damage from medications or poisons, and severe infections such as sepsis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ATN can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include decreased urine output, fluid retention leading to swelling, drowsiness, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, nausea, and irregular heartbeat.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of ATN is typically made through a combination of clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Urinalysis may show abnormal levels of proteins and cells in the urine. Blood tests may reveal elevated levels of creatinine and urea, indicating impaired kidney function.

Treatment

Treatment for ATN primarily involves treating the underlying cause and providing supportive care. This may include fluid management, medications to control symptoms, and in severe cases, dialysis may be required.

Prognosis

The prognosis for ATN can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health. Some patients may recover normal kidney function with treatment, while others may progress to chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease.

See Also

• Acute kidney injury
• Chronic kidney disease
• End-stage renal disease
• Dialysis
• Kidney transplantation