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Acute tubular necrosis

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Kidney anatomy
Kidney anatomy
Kidney - blood and urine flow
Kidney - blood and urine flow

Alternative Names    Return to top

Necrosis - renal tubular; ATN; Necrosis - acute tubular

Definition    Return to top

Acute tubular necrosis is a kidney disorder involving damage to the tubule cells of the kidneys, resulting in acute kidney failure.

Causes    Return to top

Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is caused by lack of oxygen to the kidney tissues (ischemia of the kidneys), or by exposure to materials that are poisonous to the kidney (nephrotoxic agents).

The internal structures of the kidney, particularly the tissues of the kidney tubule, become damaged or destroyed. ATN is one of the most common structural changes that can lead to acute renal failure.

ATN is one of the most common causes of kidney failure in hospitalized patients. Risks for acute tubular necrosis include:

Any condition that reduces the amount of blood being pumped by the heart can cause ATN. Liver disease and damage caused by diabetes (diabetic nephropathy) may make a person more susceptible to the condition.

ATN can be caused by:

Symptoms    Return to top

Note: Other symptoms of acute kidney failure may also be present.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Examination usually indicates acute kidney failure. There may be signs of fluid overload, including abnormal sounds on listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope (auscultation).

Other signs include:

Treatment    Return to top

In most people, acute tubular necrosis is reversible. The goal of treatment is to prevent life-threatening complications of acute kidney failure during the time the lesion is present.

Treatment focuses on preventing the excess build-up of fluids and wastes, while allowing the kidneys to heal. Patents should be watched for deterioration of kidney function.

Treatment can include:

Dialysis can remove excess waste and fluids. This can make you feel better, and may make the kidney failure easier to control. Dialysis may not be necessary for all people, but is often lifesaving, especially if serum potassium is dangerously high.

Dialysis may be needed in the following cases:

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The duration of symptoms varies. The decreased urine output phase may last from a few days to 6 weeks or more. This is occasionally followed by a period of high urine output, where the healed and newly functioning kidneys try to clear the body of fluid and wastes.

One or two days after urine output rises, symptoms reduce and laboratory values begin to return to normal.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if your urine output decreases or stops, or if you develop other symptoms of acute tubular necrosis.

Prevention    Return to top

Promptly treating conditions that can lead to decreased blood flow and/or decreased oxygen to the kidneys can reduce the risk of acute tubular necrosis.

Blood transfusions are crossmatched to reduce the risk of incompatibility reactions.

Control conditions such as diabetes, liver disorders, and cardiac disorders to reduce the risk of acute tubular necrosis.

Carefully monitor exposure to medications that can be toxic to the kidney. Have your blood levels of these medications checked regularly. Drink a lot of fluids after having any radiocontrast dyes to allow them to be removed from the body and reduce the risk of kidney damage.

References    Return to top

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2008.

Update Date: 11/12/2007

Updated by: Charles Silberberg, D.O., Private Practice specializing in Nephrology, Affiliated with NY Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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