Acute Renal Failure: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

A sudden and significant decline in the quantity of kidney function is referred to as acute renal failure (ARF), also known as acute kidney injury (AKI). This condition manifests itself when the kidneys are unable to remove waste and poisons from the blood as they normally would.

The main types of ARF are:

• Prerenal ARF: This type of acute renal failure occurs when there is reduced blood flow to the kidneys due to low blood pressure or decreased cardiac output.
• Intrinsic ARF: Intrinsic ARF occurs when damage to the kidney itself impairs its ability to function properly.
• Postrenal ARF: Postrenal ARF is caused by a blockage in the urinary tract that prevents urine from leaving the body, resulting in a buildup of waste products within the body and eventual kidney damage if left untreated.

Many different situations, including the following, have the potential to bring it on:Infection

• Dehydration
• Trauma
• Obstruction or blockage of the urinary tract
• Certain medications or toxins
• Medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure

Common symptoms of acute renal failure include:

• Decreased urine output
• Symptoms including swelling in the lower legs, ankles, and feet Weariness and a lack of strength
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort or pressure as a result of fluid accumulation around the lungs (pulmonary edema).
• Abdominal pain or discomfort due to fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites).
• Seizures, if electrolytes are severely out of balance.

To prevent ARF, it is important to maintain good health and practice preventive measures such as:

• Avoiding extreme dehydration
• Controlling high blood pressure
• Monitoring chronic medical conditions
• Avoiding medications that can damage the kidneys
• Avoiding exposure to toxins
• Additionally, people should get regular check-ups to ensure their kidneys are functioning properly.

There are several laboratory tests that can be used to diagnose acute renal failure, also known as acute kidney injury. These tests may include:

• Serum creatinine: A high level of creatinine in the blood can indicate kidney damage or dysfunction.
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): A high level of BUN in the blood can indicate kidney damage or decreased function.
• Electrolytes: Imbalances in electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, can be a sign of kidney damage.

• Protein: The presence of protein in the urine (proteinuria) can be a sign of kidney damage.
• Blood: The presence of red blood cells in the urine (hematuria) can indicate kidney damage or other problems.
• Urine concentration: The concentration of various chemicals in the urine is partially controlled by the kidneys. An abnormal concentration of urine is one of the symptoms that may point to renal impairment.

• Ultrasound: An ultrasound can help visualize the kidneys and assess their size and shape.
• CT scan: A CT scan can provide detailed images of the kidneys and surrounding structures.
• MRI: An MRI can also provide detailed images of the kidneys and surrounding structures.

Complications associated with ARF include:

• Fluid overload
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Hypertension
• Anemia
• Infection
• Cardiovascular problems.

• Trikatu Churna: Mix equal parts of black pepper, long pepper and ginger powder and take half a teaspoon with warm water twice daily.
• Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris): Boil 1 teaspoon of Gokshura powder in one cup of water for 10 minutes and drink this infusion for relief from Acute Renal Failure.
• Ginger: After adding one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to one cup of boiling water, letting the mixture sit for ten minutes, and consuming the resulting decoction on a regular basis.
• Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Take half a teaspoon of amla powder with warm water every morning on an empty stomach to improve kidney function.
• Coriander Seeds: Boil one teaspoon of coriander seeds in one cup of water for 10 minutes, strain and drink the infusion twice daily to treat Acute Renal Failure naturally.

In acute renal failure, it is important to follow a low-sodium and low-potassium diet. Foods that are recommended include:

• Lean proteins (e.g., fish, poultry, and eggs).
• Complex carbohydrates (e.g., oats, barley, quinoa, and brown rice).
• Fruits and vegetables (fresh or frozen) with no added salt or sugar.
• Non-dairy milks (e.g., almond milk or oat milk).
• Nuts and seeds

In acute renal failure, Foods to avoid include:

• Processed meats
• Canned soups and vegetables
• Pickled foods
• Salted nuts and seeds
• Fast food items
• Cured and smoked meats like bacon or sausage
• Whole-grain breads and cereals with added sugar or salt.

Restoring kidney function, managing symptoms, and limiting additional damage are the goals of treatment for acute renal failure (ARF).

• Fluid/Electrolyte Management: One of the main goals of treatment is to restore fluid balance in the body by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. This may involve intravenous (IV) fluids, oral electrolytes, or a combination of both.
• Medications: Several medications may be used to treat ARF, including diuretics to help reduce fluid buildup in the body, antibiotics to treat infections that can lead to ARF, agents that help protect the kidneys from further damage, and drugs that block certain hormones that can worsen kidney damage.
• Lifestyle Changes: Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend changes to your lifestyle.
• Dialysis: If your kidneys are not able to filter out waste products from your blood, you will need dialysis treatment
• Kidney Transplant: If dialysis is not an option for you or if it fails to improve your condition, you may be a candidate for a kidney transplant.
• Fluid Restrictions: Consuming an excessive amount of liquids might cause your kidneys to work harder than they need to. In order to prevent additional damage to your kidneys, your physician may suggest that you cut back on the amount of liquids you consume.

• The best doctor to consult for Acute Renal Failure is a nephrologist.
• A nephrologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the kidneys, including Acute Renal Failure.
• They collaborate with primary care physicians to establish treatment programmes that are specific to the requirements of each particular patient, and they implement these plans.

• Diuretics: These medications help the body eliminate excess fluids and reduce swelling. Examples include furosemide, spironolactone, and bumetanide.
• ACE Inhibitors: These drugs help lower blood pressure and reduce the strain on the kidneys. Examples include enalapril, lisinopril, and ramipril.
• ARBs: Angiotensin Receptor Blockers are similar to ACE inhibitors and help reduce strain on the kidneys by lowering blood pressure. Examples include losartan and valsartan.
• Vasodilators: These medications widen blood vessels to allow for better blood flow to the kidneys which can help them function properly. Examples include hydralazine, minoxidil, and diazoxide.
• Iron Supplements: Iron supplements can be used to treat anemia caused by kidney failure. Iron helps cells produce energy more efficiently which can help improve kidney function as well as overall health.

• The amount of time it might take to recover from acute renal failure (ARF) is very variable and is determined on the severity of the ailment as well as the individual.
• Generally, mild cases of ARF can take 2-3 weeks to fully recover while more severe cases may take up to 2-3 months.

• The underlying cause of acute renal failure, as well as how promptly the condition is detected and treated, are important factors that influence the treatment outcomes.
• In some cases, kidney function can be restored with proper medical care.
• If the kidneys are not able to recover their normal function, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary.

• Monitor fluid balance and electrolytes levels closely.
• Provide supportive care, such as oxygen and intravenous fluids as needed.
• Monitor creatinine levels, daily urine output, and hematocrits for signs of deterioration.
• Administer medications as prescribed to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
• Consider dialysis if kidney function does not improve in a timely manner or the patient develops complications such as severe fluid overload or metabolic acidosis that cannot be managed with supportive care alone.
• Provide nutritional support if needed to ensure adequate calories and protein intake.

• The cost of treating Acute Renal Failure (ARF) in India can vary greatly depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment required.
• The average cost for dialysis alone is estimated to range between Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 per session depending on the location and type of dialysis used.
• Medications may also be required and can range from Rs. 2,000 - 10,000 per month depending on the drug prescribed.
• Surgery such as renal transplantation may also be necessary in some cases and could cost upwards of Rs. 4 lakhs or more depending on the complexity of the procedure and any additional associated costs like pre-operative tests or post-operative care that might be required.
• In addition to these costs there may also be costs associated with hospitalization or other supportive therapies that need to be taken into account when estimating the total cost for ARF treatment in India.

• Common side effects of Acute Renal Failure treatments include:
• Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhoea
• Fatigue, Loss of appetite and Headache
• Muscle cramps or twitches
• Changes in urine output and colour
• Fluid retention, Itching or rashes and High blood pressure

If you are suffereing from any complications relating Acute Renal Failure then you should consult a doctor nearby as they can complications like ' Fluid overload Electrolyte imbalances, Hypertension, Anemia, Infection, Cardiovascular problems.'in which treatment course can range from a few months to years depending on the severity of the situation.