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Acute tubular necrosis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Necrosis - renal tubular; ATN; Necrosis - acute tubular

Prevention:

Prompt treatment of conditions that can result in decreased blood flow and/or decreased oxygenation of the kidneys may reduce the risk of acute tubular necrosis.

Blood transfusions are crossmatched to reduce the risk of incompatibility reactions.

Disorders such as diabetes, liver disorders, or cardiac disorders must be controlled as much as possible to reduce the risk of ATN.

Exposure to medications that can be toxic to the kidney should be carefully monitored. Serum levels of the medication may be checked regularly. Adequate hydration after radiocontrast dyes may allow their excretion and reduce the risk of kidney damage.

• Review Date: 12/9/2005
• Reviewed By: Colm C. Magee, MD, MPH, Medical Director, Renal Transplant, Brigham & Women's Hospital, and Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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