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acute kidney failure

ICD-10 Codes

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Description

Acute Kidney Failure: A Sudden Decline in Renal Function

Acute kidney failure, also known as acute renal failure or acute kidney injury (AKI), is a sudden and often reversible decline in kidney function that can occur within hours or days. This condition is characterized by a rapid loss of the kidneys' ability to remove waste and help balance fluids and electrolytes in the body.

Causes and Risk Factors

Acute kidney failure can be caused by various factors, including:

  • Ongoing kidney disease (chronic kidney disease)
  • Older age
  • Being in the hospital for a serious condition that requires intensive care
  • Long-term use of certain medications or toxins
  • Severe burns or trauma
  • Acute infection or obstruction of the urinary tract

Symptoms and Signs

The symptoms and signs of acute kidney failure can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:

  • Decreased urine output
  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet (edema)
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion or altered mental status

Definition and Staging

Acute kidney injury is defined as a sudden decrease in kidney function that develops within 7 days. The severity of AKI can be staged using various criteria, such as the RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End-stage) classification system.

Treatment and Prognosis

The treatment for acute kidney failure depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. It may involve:

  • Fluid replacement and electrolyte management
  • Medications to support kidney function or reduce inflammation
  • Dialysis in severe cases
  • Addressing any underlying conditions that contributed to AKI

In general, prompt recognition and treatment of acute kidney failure can improve outcomes and prevent long-term damage to the kidneys.

References: [1] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [13]

Additional Characteristics

  • fatigue
  • shortness of breath
  • Acute kidney failure
  • older age
  • acute renal failure or acute kidney injury (AKI)
  • sudden and often reversible decline in kidney function that can occur within hours or days
  • rapid loss of the kidneys' ability to remove waste and help balance fluids and electrolytes in the body
  • ongoing kidney disease (chronic kidney disease)
  • being in the hospital for a serious condition that requires intensive care
  • long-term use of certain medications or toxins
  • severe burns or trauma
  • acute infection or obstruction of the urinary tract
  • decreased urine output
  • swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet (edema)
  • confusion or altered mental status
  • sudden decrease in kidney function that develops within 7 days
  • RIFLE classification system

Signs and Symptoms

Common Signs and Symptoms of Acute Kidney Failure

Acute kidney failure, also known as acute renal failure or acute kidney injury (AKI), is a sudden episode of kidney failure or damage that can occur within hours or days. The signs and symptoms of AKI can differ from person to person, but here are some common ones:

  • Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired or weak, making it difficult to perform daily activities [8][10]
  • Decreased urine production: Producing less urine than usual, which can be a sign that the kidneys are not functioning properly [5][9]
  • Swollen legs and ankles: Fluid buildup in the body can cause swelling in the legs and ankles [9]
  • Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling winded even when sitting still [10]
  • Irregular heartbeats: Abnormal heart rhythms or palpitations [9]
  • Chest pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest, which can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition [9]
  • Nausea and vomiting: Feeling queasy or experiencing vomiting, which can lead to dehydration [8][10]
  • Weakness: Muscle weakness or feeling unsteady on your feet [5][9]
  • Nervous system symptoms: Confusion, drowsiness, or changes in mental status [7]

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to the above signs and symptoms, AKI can also cause:

  • Hemorrhage (unusual bleeding): Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or other areas of the body [6]
  • Fever: A high temperature, which can be a sign of infection [6]
  • Rash: A skin rash or lesions, which can be a sign of an underlying condition [6]
  • Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea: Frequent bowel movements or blood in the stool [5][6]

Important Note

It's essential to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Acute kidney failure is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent further damage and complications.

References:

[1] Context result 2 [2] Context result 3 [3] Context result 5 [4] Context result 6 [5] Context result 8 [6] Context result 9 [7] Context result 10 [8] Context result 11 [9] Context result 12

Additional Symptoms

Diagnostic Tests

Treatment

Treatment Options for Acute Kidney Failure

Acute kidney failure, also known as acute renal failure (ARF) or acute kidney injury (AKI), requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent long-term kidney damage. While there are no specific "drugs" that can cure acute kidney failure, various medications and treatments can help manage the condition.

  • Fluid Management: The initial stages of acute kidney injury are treated with hydration, avoiding medications and toxins that may harm your kidneys, and any other support your body needs to recover.
  • Antibiotics: If you have an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat it. However, antibiotics should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they can also cause kidney damage if not used properly.
  • Medications to Stop Kidney Damage: Certain medications, such as those that reduce inflammation or prevent further kidney damage, may be prescribed by your doctor.

Important Note

It's essential to note that treatment for acute kidney failure is often supportive in nature, meaning it focuses on managing symptoms and preventing further complications rather than curing the condition. In some cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary to treat end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

References

  • [4] Acute kidney injury (AKI), also known as Acute Renal Failure, is a sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or a few days.
  • [7] Treating acute kidney injury · to increase your intake of water and other fluids if you're dehydrated · antibiotics if you

Recommended Medications

  • Hydration
  • Antibiotics (under medical guidance)
  • Medications to reduce inflammation or prevent further kidney damage

💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.

Differential Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis of Acute Kidney Failure

Acute kidney failure, also known as acute renal failure (ARF) or acute kidney injury (AKI), is a sudden and often reversible reduction in kidney function. The differential diagnosis of AKI involves identifying the underlying cause of this condition.

Common Causes of AKI:

  • Sepsis and cardiovascular collapse [2]
  • Congestive heart failure [2]
  • Major surgery [3]
  • Nephrotoxins, such as antibiotics, intravenous contrast, or other drugs [2]
  • Urinary outflow obstruction [3]

Other Possible Causes:

  • Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) [7]
  • Allergic interstitial nephritis [7]
  • Contrast-induced nephropathy [7]
  • Acute glomerulonephritis [7]
  • Goodpasture syndrome [7]

Important Considerations:

  • Approximately 50-60% of all causes of AKI do not produce oliguria, making it essential to consider other signs and symptoms when diagnosing AKI [1].
  • The diagnosis of AKI is based on serum creatinine levels, urine output, and the need for renal replacement therapy [4].

References:

[1] Issues in Kidney Disease-Acute Kidney Injury. Nova Science Publisher Inc.; 2021 Jan 1.

[2] Acute kidney injury (AKI) is commonly associated with sepsis, cardiovascular collapse, congestive heart failure, major surgery, nephrotoxins (such as antibiotics, intravenous contrast, or other drugs), or urinary outflow obstruction. May present with flank pain, hematuria, hypertension or hypotension.

[3] Differential Diagnosis of Acute Renal Failure​​ HELLP = hemolysis , elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets. Information from references 2, 3 ...

[4] The diagnosis of acute kidney injury is based on serum creatinine levels, urine output, and the need for renal replacement therapy. C. Renal ...

Additional Information

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It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition.