2. Renal or kidney failure occurs when the
excretory function of the kidney fails.
Renal failure is mainly determined by a
decrease in Glomerular Filtration Rate at
which blood filtered in the glomeruli of the
kidney.
This is detected by :
•Decrease in or absence of urine production
•Determination of waste product s in the blood
( creatinine and urea )
3. Renal Failure is categorize
into two:
1. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)or
previously called Acute Renal
Failure
2. Chronic Kidney Disease ( CKD)
AKI Normal CKD
4.
5. Symptoms of Kidney Failure
The symptoms that occur in both acute and chronic kidney
failure include:
Edema: Reduced excretory function leads to water retention in
the body tissues, giving rise to puffiness. Face, hands and
legs (especially feet and ankles) swell up owing to such fluid
buildup.
Vomiting and diarrhea: Accumulation of excessive amounts of
urea and other wastes in blood, leads to nausea and
vomiting. In individuals with chronic kidney failure, vomiting
generally occurs in the morning, whereas those with acute
renal failure experience frequent episodes of vomiting within
a period of 2-3 days. It is often accompanied with diarrhea.
6. Symptoms of Kidney Failure
Dehydration: The excessive loss of fluids through vomiting and
diarrhea, leads to dehydration and excessive thirst.
Breathing difficulty: The inability to get rid of excess fluids may
lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, thereby causing
shortness of breath. Also, the oxygen-carrying capacity of
blood reduces due to increased blood toxicity, leading to
heavy breathing.
Bloody stools: In extreme cases, kidney failure may lead to
gastric or intestinal bleeding. This is indicated by the
presence of blood in stools. Black or tarry stools indicate
bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
7. Neurological and neuromuscular symptoms:
Renal failure leads to an increase
in the phosphate levels of blood,
which affects the function of
peripheral nerves as well as the
neuromuscular functions. This
causes:
• Muscle pain
• Muscle spasticity
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Disorientation
• Numbness and tingling in the limbs
Urinary symptoms: Depending on the
exact cause and physiological
abnormality, either a reduction or
an increase in the urine output
and frequency occurs. The
prominent urinary signs and
symptoms of renal failure are:
• Oliguria/Hyperuria
• Excessive urination at night
• Painful urination
• Urine discoloration
• Blood in urine
• High amounts of protein in the urine
Symptoms of Kidney Failure
8. Symptoms of Kidney Failure
Other symptoms: The above health issues collectively lead to
the following symptoms.
• Easy bruising
• Breath odor
• Fatigue
• Easy tiring
9. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), previously known as
acute renal failure ( ARF), is rapidly progressive
loss of renal functions. A condition in which
the kidneys are unable to remove accumulated
metabolism from the blood, leading to altered
fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance.
AKI has an abrupt onset and with propmt
intervention is often reversible; if left untreated
it leads to permanent renal damage.
10.
11.
12. Chronic kidney Disease (CKD),
CKD result from any progressive,
destructive condition affecting both
kidneys. The loss of kidney function
progresses slowly over a period of
months or years, and not reversible.
The most common causes of CKD :
•Diabetes mellitus
•long-term uncontrolled hypertension.
15. Diagnosis
Kidney failure can be confirmed through pathological
investigations including blood tests, urinalysis as well as imaging
techniques.
» Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) as well as the creatinine levels in blood are
indicators of renal health. Creatinine content of blood is used to determine
the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which provides an estimate of kidney
function.
» The protein content in urine as well as urine volume measurements help
to identify renal failure.
» Abdominal ultrasound is advised to check for reduction in kidney size,
which is an indication of chronic renal failure. Other imaging tests such as CT
scan or MRI are recommended for detecting the presence of any abnormal
growth or blockage.
» Biopsy is performed to check for malignancy, if the imaging tests reveal
abnormal growth in kidneys.
16. Treatment
The treatment approach depends on the precise
etiology and physiological status of the patient.
» Symptomatic treatment includes the administration
of analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs).
» Diuretics may be prescribed to get rid of the
accumulated fluids.
» Certain dietary modifications may be suggested to
reduce the further accumulation of toxins. It is
recommended to follow a diet containing low
amounts of protein, potassium, phosphorus and salt.
» Dialysis and kidney transplant is the last resort for
end-stage kidney disease, wherein the functional
capacity of kidneys drops below 15%.
