Definition

Kidney failure is when your kidneys don’t work as they should. The kidneys clean the blood and make urine. They also level out the fluids in your body.

The 2 types are:

• Acute kidney injury (AKI)—happens quickly
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)—happens over a long time

Anatomy of the Kidney Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes    TOP

AKI is usually the result an injury, infection, or a toxin. Many long term health problems cause kidney function to decline over time. This causes wastes and fluids to build up in your blood.

The 2 most common causes are:

• Diabetes—harms the tiny tubules that filter blood
• High blood pressure —harms the blood vessels

Other common causes:

• A kidney infection— pyelonephritis
• Glomerulonephritis
• Genetic diseases such as polycystic kidney disease
• Narrowed blood vessels— bilateral renal artery stenosis
• Structural problems—some may exist at birth
• Medicines or drugs
• Dyes given for x-rays

Risk Factors    TOP

Your risk is higher if you have:

• Long term health conditions
• Certain structural problems
• Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus
• Cancer
• Severe trauma
• Infections such as HIV
• Long term use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Blood volume problems caused by burns, bleeding, or dehydration
• Blockage in the urinary tract from an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or tumors
• Recent heart surgery

Symptoms    TOP

Symptoms are usually not present in early stages. Later stages may cause:

• Swelling in your feet and ankles
• Puffiness around face
• Itchy skin
• Muscle cramps and twitches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of hunger
• Weight loss
• Urinary problems
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling tired
• Changes in mental state
• Seizures
• Coma

Diagnosis    TOP

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You may also have:

• A physical exam
• Urine tests to look for blood, certain proteins, or other markers
• Blood tests to look for certain proteins or other markers, or count blood cells
• Renal ultrasound
• CT scan
• Kidney biopsy

Treatment    TOP

Care focuses on slowing the process of disease. It can also help limit further damage. You will need care for other health problems that cause stress on your kidneys.

Care for AKI will focus on the cause such as treating an infection. You may get healthy enough for your kidneys to work normally.

Prevention    TOP

To lower your chances of kidney problems:

• Follow your care plans if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Don’t use medicines that cause harm to your kidneys. Your doctor will make changes as needed.
• Use NSAIDs as advised.
• Drink only in moderation. Moderation is 2 drinks a day or less for men or 1 drink a day or less for women.
• If you’re at high risk for kidney problems, see your doctor as advised.