Acute kidney failure
Acute renal failure is a sudden loss of renal function, which can also occur in the context of multi-organ failure. The most common causes are a reduced fluid supply to the kidney (reduced perfusion), damage directly to the kidney, e.g. due to infections, drugs, tumors or even autoimmune diseases or a disruption of the outflow from the kidney. Symptoms of acute kidney failure are reduced urine production and in some cases blood in the urine.
Since less fluid is excreted, deposits (edema) may occur, affecting mainly the lungs and brain. As a result, breathing problems and disturbances of consciousness can occur. The risk of infection also increases.
In order to prevent permanent damage to the kidney, a quick clarification of the symptoms and subsequent treatment is necessary. In the case of an outflow disorder, it may be possible to eliminate it, but for other causes, only treatment of the symptoms is possible. A severe course of disease could result in temporary or permanent loss of kidney function. In the case of the affected person, it must then be replaced by regular dialysis.
Prognosis and probability of survival
Multiorgan failure leads to death in about 50% of cases. The chances vary depending on which organs are affected. The vital kidney can be replaced mechanically.
Although the functions of the heart and lungs can also be taken over by machines, this is only possible temporarily. If, in addition to multiorgan failure, infection occurs, the prognosis worsens significantly. The earlier the failure of an organ is detected and the faster a suitable therapy is started, the greater the chances of survival.
