Acute Kidney Failure

Also called: Acute Renal Failure, Acute Kidney Injury, Acute Renal Insufficiency

What Is Acute Kidney Failure?

Acute kidney failure is when the kidneys suddenly stop working as they should. This serious condition is usually caused by an illness that affects how blood flows to the kidneys. It’s different from chronic kidney failure, which comes on slowly and lasts longer.

Treating acute kidney failure early can help fix the problem and prevent permanent kidney damage.

What Happens in Acute Kidney Failure?

The kidneys are part of the urinary tract. Their most important job is taking waste out of the blood and making urine (pee). They also help regulate blood pressure and control the level of salt in the body.

When a person has acute kidney failure, their kidneys stop filtering blood as usual. Then waste builds up and the body can’t keep a good balance of fluids and electrolytes (minerals like calcium, salt, and potassium).

What Causes Acute Kidney Failure?

In kids, different problems can cause acute kidney failure. It can happen if:

• Not enough blood flows to the kidneys. This can be triggered by a severe infection, some medicines, burns, severe dehydration, surgery, or other problems.
• Pee can’t leave the kidneys because something (like a kidney stone) blocks it.
• The kidneys are damaged from an injury or other health condition (like lupus or glomerulonephritis).

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Acute Kidney Failure?

Acute kidney failure doesn’t always cause symptoms. When it does, a child might have:

• low energy
• digestive problems, such as bloody diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• pain in the belly or chest
• changes in urination (peeing more than usual or less than usual)
• swollen feet or ankles, or puffiness around the eyes
• fever
• rash

How Is Acute Kidney Failure Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose acute kidney disease based on a child's medical history, an exam, and blood tests and urine tests.

They might order other tests too, such as:

• kidney ultrasound
• a kidney biopsy
• ECG
• chest X-ray

An early diagnosis can make the condition easier to treat.

How Is Acute Kidney Failure Treated?

The treatment for acute kidney failure depends on what caused it. Doctors might recommend:

• diet changes
• stopping or changing medicines
• getting IV (intravenous) fluids
• removing a blockage
• starting dialysis (if kidney damage is severe)

What Else Should I Know?

There's a lot to manage when your child has acute kidney disease. Turn to the care team for help and support.

It also can help to find a kidney disease support group. The care team might be able to recommend one in your area. You also can find more information online at:

• National Kidney Foundation
• Renal Support Network