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Prerenal azotemia

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Azotemia - prerenal; Uremia; Renal underperfusion

Treatment:

The main goal of treatment is to rapidly correct the cause of the prerenal azotemia before damage occurs to the internal kidney structures. Hospitalization is often required, and may involve treatment in an intensive care unit. Treatment may include hemodialysis or 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 cardiac output. These may include dopamine , dobutamine, and similar cardiac medications. The cause of the decreased blood volume or blood pressure should be identified and treated as appropriate.

If other symptoms of acute renal failure are present, treatment for it should continue, including medications, dietary restrictions, or dialysis.

Expectations (prognosis):

Prerenal azotemia is reversible if the cause can be identified and corrected within 24 hours. However, if the cause is not corrected quickly, damage may occur to the internal structures of 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 symptoms indicating prerenal azotemia may be present.

• Review Date: 5/3/2006
• Reviewed By: Charles Silberberg, DO, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology, Affiliated with New York Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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