Kidney Failure

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This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Your provider will offer referrals or treatment plans based on your specific condition or diagnosis.

What is kidney failure?

Kidney failure happens when damage results in loss of normal kidney function. There are 2 types of kidney failure—acute and chronic.

  • Acute kidney failure starts abruptly. It can sometimes be reversed.

  • Chronic kidney failure progresses slowly over at least 3 months. It can lead to permanent kidney failure. This is also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

What causes kidney failure?

Many conditions can lead to acute or chronic kidney failure.

Causes of acute kidney failure

  • Rhabdomyolysis, kidney damage that can happen from muscle breakdown due to severe dehydration, infection, or other causes

  • Decreased blood flow to the kidneys from blood loss or shock

  • A blockage along the urinary tract

  • Hemolytic uremic syndrome, blockage of the small vessels in the kidney, often caused by an E. coli infection

  • Infection or certain medicines that may be toxic to the kidneys

  • Glomerulonephritis, inflammation of the tiny units within the kidney where blood is cleaned—it impairs the kidney’s ability to filter urine

  • Any condition that impairs the flow of oxygen and blood to the kidneys, such as a heart attack

Causes of chronic kidney failure

  • Diabetic nephropathy, kidney damage due to high blood sugar

  • High blood pressure

  • Lupus, an immune system disease

  • Urinary track blockage

  • Alport syndrome, a genetic disorder

  • Nephrotic syndrome, a condition that leads to too much protein in the urine

  • Polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys

  • Cystinosis, a genetic problem in which the amino acid builds up within the cells in the kidneys

  • Interstitial nephritis or pyelonephritis, inflammation of the small structures in the kidney

What are the symptoms of kidney failure?

The symptoms for acute and chronic renal failure may be different.

Symptoms of acute kidney failure (symptoms depend on the underlying cause)

  • Fever

  • Weakness

  • Fatigue

  • Rash

  • Diarrhea

  • Poor appetite

  • Severe vomiting

  • Abdominal pain

  • Back pain

  • Muscle cramps

  • No urine output or high urine output

  • Pale skin

  • Nosebleeds

  • Inflammation of the eye

Symptoms of chronic kidney failure

  • Poor appetite

  • Vomiting

  • Bone pain

  • Headache

  • Insomnia

  • Itching

  • Dry skin

  • Fatigue with light activity

  • Muscle cramps

  • High urine output or no urine output

  • Urinary incontinence

  • Pale skin

  • Bad breath

  • Hearing problems

  • Irritability

  • Poor muscle tone

  • Change in mental alertness

  • Metallic taste in mouth

The symptoms of acute and chronic kidney failure may look like other health problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. You may be referred to a kidney specialist called a nephrologist.

How is kidney failure diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and do a physical exam. Other tests may include:

  • Blood tests. Blood tests will check blood cell counts, electrolyte levels, and kidney function.

  • Urine tests.

  • Renal ultrasound. In this test, a transducer is passed over the kidney. It sends sound waves that bounce off the kidney. Pictures are sent to a video screen. The test is used to check the size and shape of the kidney, and to find a mass, kidney stone, cyst, or other blockage or problems.

  • Kidney biopsy. This is the removal of tissue samples (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for exam under a microscope. It’s done to see if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

  • CT scan. This is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body, including the kidneys. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays. Contrast CT usually can't be done when there is kidney failure.

What is the treatment for acute and chronic kidney failure?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on the cause of the kidney failure and how severe the condition is.

Treatment may include hospitalization and:

  • IV (intravenous) fluids

  • Diuretic therapy (medicines to increase urine output)

  • Closely watching electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and calcium and heart rhythm, as the heart muscle is at risk with changes in these electrolytes

  • Medicines to control blood pressure

  • Specific diet needs

In some cases, you can have electrolyte problems and toxic levels of waste products normally removed by the kidneys. You may also develop fluid overload. Dialysis may be needed in these cases.

Treatment of chronic kidney failure depends on the how much kidney function you still have.

Dialysis

Dialysis is used to treat both acute and chronic kidney failure. It involves removing waste substances and fluid from the blood that are normally removed by the kidneys. Dialysis may also be used for people who have been exposed to or ingested toxic substances. In this case, dialysis is used to prevent kidney failure. There are 2 types of dialysis: peritoneal and hemodialysis.

Peritoneal dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis is done by surgically placing a soft, hollow tube, called a catheter, into the lower abdomen near the navel. A solution called dialysate is passed through the tube into the peritoneal cavity. This is the space in the abdomen that houses the organs. It's lined by 2 membrane layers called the peritoneum. The solution is left in the abdomen for a certain amount of time. There, it soaks up the waste products and toxins through the peritoneum. The fluid is drained from the abdomen, measured, and discarded. There are 3 different types of peritoneal dialysis:

  • Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). This type does not need a machine. Exchanges, often called passes, can be done 3 to 5 times a day during waking hours.

  • Continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis (CCPD). This type needs a dialysis machine that can be used in the home. This type of dialysis is done automatically, even while you are asleep.

  • Intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD). IPD uses the same type of machine as CCPD, but treatments take longer. IPD can be done at home, but it is usually done in the hospital.

Possible complications of peritoneal dialysis include an infection or inflammation of the peritoneum. This is called peritonitis. It causes fever and stomach pain.

A dietitian will help you plan your meals based on your healthcare provider's orders. Generally:

  • You may have special protein, salt, and fluid needs.

  • You may have special potassium restrictions.

  • You may need to cut calories. The sugar in the dialysate may cause weight gain.

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis can be done at home or in a dialysis center or hospital. An access site is surgically made, usually in your arm. This involves joining an artery and a vein together. After access has been made, you will be connected to a large hemodialysis machine. It drains the blood. The blood is bathed in a dialysate solution that removes waste substances and fluid. Then the clean blood is returned to your bloodstream.

Hemodialysis is usually done several times a week and lasts for 4 to 5 hours. During treatment, you can read, write, sleep, talk, or watch TV. At home, hemodialysis is done with the help of a partner, often a family member or friend. If you choose to do home hemodialysis, you and your partner will get training. Possible complications of hemodialysis include muscle cramps and a sudden drop in blood pressure. This may cause you to feel dizzy, weak, or sick to your stomach.

By following your diet and taking medicines as prescribed by your healthcare provider, you may be able to prevent complications. A dietitian will work with you to plan your meals, according to your healthcare provider's orders. Generally:

  • You may eat foods high in protein such as meat and chicken (animal proteins).

  • You may need to limit foods containing potassium.

  • You may need to limit the amount you drink.

  • You may need to stay away from salt.

  • You may need to limit foods that have mineral phosphorus (such as milk, cheese, nuts, dried beans, and soft drinks).

Other treatment choices may include:

  • Medicines (to help with growth, prevent bone density loss, and treat anemia)

  • Diuretic therapy (medicines to increase urine output)

  • Specific diet changes

  • Kidney transplant

Complications of kidney failure

Because the kidneys have many functions, the complications of kidney failure can affect many body systems. Complications may include:

  • Anemia (low red blood cell count)

  • Problems with the heart and blood vessels

  • Bone disease

  • Pain in the bones, joints, and muscles

  • Decreased mental function, including confusion and dementia

  • Nerve damage in the arms and legs

  • A greater risk of getting infections

  • Poor nutrition

  • Skin changes, including dryness and itching

Living with kidney failure

People with kidney failure are living longer than ever. Dialysis treatment is not a cure for kidney failure. But it will help you feel better and live longer. Over the years, kidney failure can cause other problems such as bone disease, high blood pressure, nerve damage, and anemia (having too few red blood cells). Talk with your healthcare provider about how to prevent and treat these problems.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, let your healthcare provider know.

Key points about kidney failure

  • Kidney failure is complete failure of the kidneys to regulate normal functions. This includes fluid balance, blood pressure, acid and base balance, electrolytes, red blood cell production, and the removal of metabolic toxins and wastes.

  • The outlook is poor for people with kidney failure. As toxins and fluid build up, the disease can become life-threatening.

  • Treatment involves peritoneal and hemodialysis to replace the function of the kidneys.

  • Kidney transplant may be a choice for long-term survival.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

  • Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

  • Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

  • Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.

  • At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.

  • Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.

  • Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

  • Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

  • Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

  • If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

  • Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.