Acute Tubular Necrosis

Acute tubular necrosis is a form of sudden kidney damage in which the cells of the kidney tubules, those responsible for reabsorbing and eliminating substances, are injured. It is one of the most frequent causes of acute kidney failure in hospitalized people.

Common causes: prolonged decrease in blood flow to the kidney, serious infections or exposure to certain substances that are toxic to the organ.

Possible signs: a significant reduction in urine, swelling, nausea and marked tiredness.

Which specialist treats it? The nephrologist, and in children the pediatric nephrologist, evaluates and follows the kidney damage, while the urologist may get involved when it is necessary to rule out causes in the urinary tract. Since the kidney can often recover with timely care, a noticeable drop in urine production warrants seeking an evaluation without delay.