BIOLOGY Volume 3 - A Guide to General Biology - 2004
20. EXCRETION AND OSMOREGULATION
20.9. Kidney diseases and their treatment
20.9.1. Renal failure
The normal Aging process affects various aspects of Kidney function, particularly ultrafiltration, which gradually declines by about half by the age of seventy. However, this phenomenon should be distinguished from abnormal renal function, i.e., disease. Any pathological deterioration in kidney performance, regardless of cause, is broadly referred to as renal failure, which can be either chronic or acute. In the former case, the condition develops progressively over several years, whereas in the latter, the Kidneys relatively abruptly stop working partially or completely. Some of the causes of these conditions are listed in Table 20.6.
If left untreated, renal failure can be fatal within a matter of weeks. Death frequently results from the accumulation of potassium ions in the Blood, leading to cardiac arrest. Renal failure is a relatively common condition affecting tens of people in the UK every year. While a person can survive with a single functioning kidney, when both fail, medical intervention becomes the only way to save a life.
Class="center">Table 20.6. Some common causes and manifestations of chronic and ACUTE RENAL FAILURE
Chronic renal failure |
Acute renal failure |
Causes |
|
Bacterial infection of the renal pelvis and surrounding Tissues |
Reduced Blood supply to the kidneys resulting from blood loss due to trauma, Heart Failure, poisoning, etc. |
Nephritis — inflammation of the glomeruli caused by Antibodies produced against certain Bacteria, e.g., in throat infections Damage caused by high blood pressure Damage caused by obstruction of the Ureters, bladder, or Urethra, e.g., due to kidney stones (stones can form anywhere along the Urinary Tract, but most commonly in the renal pelvis) |
Severe bacterial infection or severe nephritis Kidney trauma, e.g., from a physical blow Obstruction of the ureters, bladder, or urethra, e.g., due to kidney stones |
|
Atherosclerosis (reduced blood supply) |
|
Manifestations |
|
Progressive destruction of nephrons, leading to: |
|
a) decreased urine output |
Reduced or complete cessation of urine production |
b) diluted urine |
Accumulation of nitrogenous wastes in the blood |
c) dehydration |
electrolyte imbalance |
d) electrolyte imbalance |
Pain |
e) severe Hypertension |
The condition is often reversible with prompt Treatment |
f) coma and convulsions |
|
Last update: 06/08/2026
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