Expectations (prognosis)
While acute kidney failure is potentially life-threatening and may require intensive treatment, the kidneys usually start working again within several weeks to months after the underlying cause has been treated.
In cases where this does not happen, chronic renal failure or end-stage renal disease develops. Death can occur, but is most common when kidney failure is caused by surgery, trauma, or severe infection in someone with heart disease, lung disease, or recent stroke. Old age, infection, loss of blood from the intestinal tract, and progression of kidney failure also increase the risk of death.
Complications
- Loss of blood in the intestines
- Chronic (ongoing) kidney failure
- End-stage renal disease
- Damage to the heart or nervous system
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if your urine output slows or stops or you have other symptoms of acute kidney failure.
Prevention
Treating disorders such as high blood pressure can help prevent acute kidney failure. Unfortunately, prevention is not always possible.
Print
