Acute Tubular Necrosis

Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is a medical condition involving the death of tubular epithelial cells that form the

renal tubules

of the kidneys. ATN presents with

acute kidney injury (AKI)

and is one of the most common causes of AKI.
Depending on the severity of the initial insult, time to renal recovery can often be prolonged and patients may require dialysis for months.
Symptoms

Decreased urine

common

High blood pressure

or Rapid heart rate

or Dry mouth

or Excessive thirst

or Dehydration

or Dark urine

common

Feel like vomiting

or Throwing up

common

Fatigue

common

Enlarged feet or ankle

  • In both feet or ankles

or Swelling in lower leg

  • In both lower legs

or Enlarged thighs

or Enlarged arms or hands

or Swelling or lump in eyelid

  • Painless

  • Upper eyelid, Lower eyelid

  • Both sides, Both eyes

common

Confusion

common

Poor appetite

common

Muscle cramps

Muscle pain

Feeling sleepy

A sudden and temporary alteration of muscle tone, movements or behavior

  • Lasting 15 minutes or more, Lasting less than 15 minutes

  • More than a single episode in a 24 hours, Single episode in 24 hours

  • Focal, Generalized

or Fainting

Risk factors

Low blood pressure

or Acute blood loss

or Diarrhea

or Burns

or Heart failure

Use of aminoglycoside

or Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug

Treatment
Intravenous furosemide or bumetanide in a single high dose (ie, 100-200 mg of furosemide) is commonly used, although little evidence indicates that it changes the course of ATN. The drug should be infused slowly because high doses can lead to hearing loss. If no response occurs, the treatment should be discontinued.
Recommended specialist

If you have Acute Tubular Necrosis, then a visit to a general internist is recommended.

Contact a

General internist

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