Treatment:

The main goal of treatment is to quickly correct the cause before the kidney becomes damaged. People often need to stay in the hospital, and may need treatment in an intensive care unit. Treatment may include hemodialysis or dialysis inside the body (peritoneal dialysis).

Intravenous fluids, including blood or blood products, may be used to increase blood volume. After blood volume has been restored, medications may be used to increase blood pressure and heart output. These may include dopamine, dobutamine, and other heart medications. The cause of the decreased blood volume or blood pressure should be diagnosed and treated.

If the person has other symptoms of acute kidney failure, treatment for it should include medication, diet changes, or dialysis.

Expectations (prognosis):

Prerenal azotemia can be reversed if the cause can be found and corrected within 24 hours. However, if the cause is not fixed quickly, damage may occur to the kidney (acute tubular necrosis).

Complications:

• Acute kidney failure
• Acute tubular necrosis (tissue death)

Calling your health care provider:

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have symptoms of prerenal azotemia.