RENAL FAILURE

Also known as kidney failure, is a medical condition in which the kidneys no longer work. It is further divided into acute kidney failure (cases that develop rapidly) and chronic kidney failure (those that are long term). Causes of kidney or renal failure include low BP, blockage of urinary tract, certain medication, muscle breakdown and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Causes of chronic type include diabetes, high BP, nephrotic syndrome and polycystic kidney diseases. Diagnosis of chronic disease is often based on a combination of factors such as decreased urine production or increased serum creatinine. Diagnosis of chronic disease is typically based on GFR of less than 15. Symptoms of this condition include nausea, vomiting, blood in urine, pressure or difficulty in urinating, less frequent urination. The treatment given is a low protein diet, dialysis and minimizing exposure to nephrotoxins such as intravenous contract.