Acute tubular necrosis is damage to the tubule cells (tiny tube-shaped cells) in the kidney that results in kidney failure. This is a potentially serious condition that requires care from your doctor.
Acute tubular necrosis can be caused by:
- Lack of oxygen to kidney tissues (eg, surgical complications, hemorrhage)
- Exposure to toxic materials (eg, antibiotics, x-ray dyes, anesthetics)
A risk factor is something that increases your chance for getting a disease or condition. The following risk factors increase your chance of developing acute tubular necrosis. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to acute tubular necrosis. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.
- Change in urine output
- Dehydration
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:
- Blood Tests
- Urine Tests
-
Kidney
Biopsy
–removal of a sample of kidney tissue for testing (rarely needed)
- Ultrasound
–a test that uses sound waves to examine the kidney
- Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
–a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the kidney
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
–a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the kidney
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. In addition to good nutritional support, treatment options include the following:
Dialysis, in which a machine does the work of your kidneys by purging waste from your body, may be needed in some cases of acute tubular necrosis.
Certain medications (eg, furosemide, mannitol, fenoldopam, auriculin anaritide, and synthetic atrial natriuretic peptide) may reduce the need for
dialysis
in certain people with acute tubular necrosis.
The following measures may help reduce your chances of developing acute tubular necrosis:
- Take measures recommended by your doctor to prevent kidney damage caused by the dyes used in x-ray studies such as with the use of oral N-acetylcysteine or theophylline.
- Take certain drugs when using the medication cisplatin, which is associated with kidney damage.
-
Use calcium channel blockers after having a
kidney transplant
.
Last reviewed January 2007 by David Juan, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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