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Causes & Effects of Renal Failure

There are two types of renal or kidney failure: acute and chronic. The first occurs when the kidneys rapidly stop functioning properly, and the second occurs when the kidneys gradually lose the ability to function normally.

  1. Renal Failure

    • The kidneys are responsible for removing waste products, unneeded fluid and excess electrolytes from the blood. When the organs fail, those harmful materials accumulate in the body.

    Acute Causes

    • Causes of acute renal failure fall into three groups: prerenal (low blood pressure or volume, improper heart functioning), renal (hemolytic uremic syndrome, inflamed kidneys, reduced renal blood flow, toxic injuries) and postrenal (bladder and ureter blockages).

    Chronic Causes

    • The most common causes of chronic renal failure are other chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, exposure to toxins, high blood pressure, kidney artery stenosis, kidney disease and obstructed urine flow.

    Acute Effects

    • Although rare, acute renal failure can lead to end-stage renal disease and death. The condition is sometimes fully reversible if treated appropriately, and it can also produce irreversible damage treatable only with dialysis or a kidney transplant.

    Chronic Effects

    • Chronic renal failure can cause anemia, heart disease, insomnia, nerve damage, permanent kidney damage requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant, stomach ulcers and weak bones. Children with the condition may experience stunted growth.

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