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Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs when the kidneys suddenly can’t filter toxins and waste fluids. There are three types of AKI: prerenal, intrinsic, and postrenal, each with different causes and treatments. Treatment focuses on replacing kidney function, and in most cases, the kidneys will recover after treatment.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs when one or both kidneys are suddenly unable to filter dangerous toxins and other waste fluids from the body. Often the first indication of renal failure is a sudden decrease in urine output and abdominal pain. There are three types of AKI: prerenal, intrinsic, and postrenal. Acute kidney injury is classified according to the origin of the renal failure.
Prerenal acute kidney injury refers to damage that results from decreased blood flow to and from the kidneys. The general causes of prerenal AKI are related to changes in the body’s blood volume or low blood pressure due to heart disease. The kidneys are unable to produce enough urine to detoxify the body without adequate fluid pressure. If there is a blood clot leading to the kidney, blood flow can be cut off on the way to the kidney. The kidneys can recover after dialysis to remove waste that builds up in the body.
Intrinsic acute kidney injury is caused by damage to the structure of the kidney. The kidney may be malformed or inflammation may have taken up residence in the kidneys causing the kidneys to not work properly. The treatment for intrinsic acute kidney injury is dialysis, which replaces the filtering functions of the kidneys. If you have complete kidney failure, a transplant of one or both kidneys may be necessary.
Postrenal acute kidney injury results from urinary tract obstruction. The kidneys may still be able to function normally, but a buildup of fluid from the filtration process causes the renal system to become overwhelmed with pressure and ultimately reduces the efficiency of the kidneys. Treatment begins by inserting a catheter to relieve pressure from trapped urine. The abdomen is then scanned using computed tomography (CT) to determine where the blockage has occurred. Finally, the blockage is removed, restoring kidney function.
Treatment for acute kidney injury focuses on replacing the function of the kidneys. Your doctor will order intravenous fluids to raise pressure within your kidneys and encourage more urine output. If blood tests show a buildup of toxins, dialysis may be ordered continuously or two to three times a week. Acute kidney injury caused by overuse of some medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be relieved after the medications are stopped. In most cases, the kidneys will recover after treatment and dialysis can be stopped.
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