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Diagnosis of Kidney Failure
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Failure
The symptoms for acute and chronic renal failure may be different. The following are the most common symptoms of acute and chronic renal failure, however, the symptoms may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Every individual experiences symptoms differently.
Symptoms of Acute Renal Failure
Symptoms of acute renal failure depend largely on the underlying cause and may include:
- Hemorrhage (bleeding)
- Fever
- Weakness/fatigue
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Poor appetite
- Severe vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Muscle cramps
- Either no urine output or increased urine output
- Pale skin (due to anemia)
- Nosebleeds Tissue swelling (edema)
Symptoms of Chronic Renal Failure
- Poor appetite
- Vomiting
- Bone pain
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Itching
- Malaise
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Either no urine output of increased urine output
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Urinary incontinence
- Pale skin
- Tissue swelling (edema)
- Irritability
- Poor muscle tone
- Change in mental alertness
- Metallic taste in mouth
Laboratory Evaluation
Blood tests
- Complete blood count (CBC) to determine presence of infection or anemia
- Blood chemistry - to determine kidney function (BUN and creatinine) and electrolyte levels (potassium, sodium)
- Mineral panel - to determine levels of phosphorous and calcium
Urine studies
- Urinalysis
- Urine albumin
Kidney biopsy - a procedure in which a sample of tissue is removed (either with a needle or during surgery) from the kidney for examination under a microscope. A kidney biopsy may be necessary to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.
Radiological Evaluation
- Chest x-ray - to evaluate the heart, lungs and skeleton of the thorax
- Renal ultrasound (sonogram) - This is a non-invasive test in which a transducer is passed over the kidney producing sound waves which bounce off the kidney, transmitting a picture of the organ on a video screen. The test is use to determine the size and shape of the kidney and to detect a mass, kidney stone, cyst, or other obstruction or abnormalities.
