Acute Renal Failure: Prevention

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Prevention

Most cases of acute renal failure occur in people who are already hospitalized for another serious injury or illness. Doctors may be able to prevent kidney failure by identifying patients who are at high risk and avoiding medications and other situations that may cause acute renal failure.

Diseases that increase your chance of developing kidney failure are diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, obesity, and long-term kidney disease (chronic renal insufficiency). If you have any of these conditions, take extra precautions when starting new medicines. Commonly used medicines, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), can make kidney function worse in people who already have impaired kidney function, diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart failure.

If you are in the hospital and have a higher risk for developing acute renal failure because of surgery, another medical condition, or a severe injury, your doctor may take precautions to help you avoid acute renal failure:

• Fluid balances will be carefully monitored.
  • Your intake and output will be measured, and you may be weighed every day.
  • Your blood pressure will be checked frequently. You may be given IV fluids to help maintain normal blood pressure.
• You will have frequent blood tests to make sure your electrolytes are in the proper balance.
• Your diet will be managed to make sure that you receive at least 100 grams of carbohydrates each day. The amount of protein in your diet may be restricted.³
• Your medicines will be carefully checked. Medicines that contain magnesium may be stopped. The dosages of your other medicines may be adjusted.

Last updated:	June 14, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, D.C. Mendelssohn, MD, FRCPC - Nephrology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC