What is Renal Failure?

Renal Failure is the inability of the kidneys to excrete wastes, concentrate urine, and conserve electrolytes. The condition may be acute or chronic. Acute renal failure is characterized by oliguria and by the rapid accumulation of nitrogenous wastes in the blood (azotemia). It results from hemorrhage, trauma, burn, toxic injury to the kidney, acute pyelonephritis or glomerulonephritis, or lower urinary tract obstruction. Many forms of acute renal failure are reversible after the underlying cause has been identified. Acute renal failure may have three typical phases: prodromal, oliguric, and postoliguric. Treatment includes restricted intake of fluids and of all substances that require excretion by the kidney. Antibiotics and diuretics are also used. Chronic renal failure may result from many other diseases. The early signs include sluggishness, fatigue, and mental dullness. Later, anuria, convulsions, gastrointestinal bleeding, malnutrition, and various neuropathies may occur. The skin may turn yellow-brown. Congestive heart failure and hypertension are frequent complications, the results of hypervolemia. Urinalysis reveals greater than normal amounts of urea and creatinine, waxy casts, and a constant volume of urine regardless of variations in water intake. Anemia frequently occurs. The prognosis depends on the underlying cause. Treatment usually includes restricted water and protein intake and the use of diuretics. When medical measures have been exhausted, long-term hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is often begun, and kidney transplantation is considered.

Record Number: BJ53782719

SOURCE:
Mosby's Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health Dictionary.  Edition 5, 1998 p77FF.

Full Text: COPYRIGHT 1998 Mosby-Year Book, Inc.