Renal Failure
Alternate Names : Acute Renal Insufficiency
Acute renal failure occurs when the filtering function of the
kidneys changes suddenly. The kidneys are not able to maintain healthy body
function.
What is going on in the body?
The kidneys filter the blood in the body and produce urine.
They clear the body of many drugs and toxins. They also produce
hormones and control blood pressure. The blood flow to each kidney is
supplied by a large artery. Blood flow to the kidneys is crucial both for
kidney health and to allow the kidneys to perform their functions of
cleaning and maintaining the blood. Anything that leads to a sudden
drop in blood flow to the kidneys can cause acute renal failure.
When this happens, the regular functions of the kidneys can be altered
or destroyed.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
The following can lead to acute renal failure:
a blockage of urine flow out of the kidneys and into the bladder
exposure to certain drugs
exposure to toxic substances
significant loss of blood or sudden drop in blood flow to the kidneys
Kidneys that have preexisting disease or damage are at
higher risk for acute renal failure.
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