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Definition

Acute tubular necrosis is damage to the tubule cells (tiny tube-shaped cells) in the kidney that results in acute kidney failure. This is a potentially serious condition that requires care from your doctor.

The Kidneys

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Causes

Acute tubular necrosis can be caused by:

  • Lack of oxygen to kidney tissues from issues such as surgical complications or hemorrhage (heavy bleeding)
  • Exposure to toxic materials such as antibiotics, x-ray dyes, or anesthetics

Risk Factors

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:

  • Injury
  • Trauma]]>
  • Surgery
  • Blood transfusion
  • ]]>Septic shock]]>
  • ]]>Shock]]>
  • Low blood pressure
  • Liver disease or damage
  • Drugs (aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, cyclosporine, tacrolimus)
  • X-ray dye
  • Others toxic chemicals:
    • Crystals (uric acid, calcium phosphate)
    • Myoglobin
    • Hemaglobin

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Symptoms

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

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:

  • Blood tests
    • BUN
    • creatinine
    • electrolytes
    • calcium
    • magnesium
    • phosphorus
    • complete blood counts
  • Urine tests (urinalysis, urine sodium, urea, osmolarity)
  • 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

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Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. In addition to good nutritional support, treatment options include the following:

Dialysis

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.

Medications

Certain medications (eg, furosemide, bumetanide, mannitol, fenoldopam, auriculin anaritide, and synthetic atrial natriuretic peptide) may reduce the need for dialysis in certain people with acute tubular necrosis.

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Prevention

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 medications such as aminoglycosides or cisplatin, which is associated with kidney damage.
  • Use calcium channel blockers after having a kidney transplant]]> .