Among other functions, the kidneys are responsible for regulating electrolyte or mineral balance, acid, base and volume of the blood. Acute renal failure is the sudden onset of kidney failure. Life-threatening conditions that result from renal failure require dialysis, in which the blood is passed through a machine that filters the blood and artificially regulates the electrolytes, acids, bases and volume of the blood.
Acidemia
The kidneys and lungs are responsible for regulating the pH of the blood to its normal physiological level of 7.4. Blood pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity in the blood. Without appropriate kidney function, acid levels in the blood can reach dangerous levels. Elevated acid in the blood is known as acidemia. Symptoms of acidemia include nausea, vomiting, lethargy, mental status changes and seizures.
Imbalanced Electrolytes
The kidneys also regulate electrolytes. In acute renal failure, levels of potassium can get dangerously high, a condition called hyperkalemia, and may cause the heart to stop beating effectively. Hyperkalemia may have no symptoms. If there are symptoms, they may include weakness, an irregular heartbeat, weak pulse or nausea and vomiting.
Toxin Ingestion
The ingestion of certain toxins around the time of acute renal failure may necessitate dialysis because the kidneys normally filter toxins from the blood. Some of these toxins include lithium, methanol, ethylene glycol, and barbiturates. Symptoms of lithium overdose include tremors, muscular twitching, muscle weakness, balance problems, delirium, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Methanol intoxication has symptoms similar to those of alcohol intoxication but can result in blindness. Ethylene glycol intoxication is also similar to alcohol intoxication. Barbiturates are sedatives that can cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness.
Fluid Overload
Fluid overload is another important reason to initiate dialysis in acute renal failure. Without proper kidney function, the body cannot make urine, and excessive amounts of fluid build up. This fluid puts strain on the heart, increases blood pressure, and causes other health problems, particularly in the lungs. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of high blood pressure may include headache, chest pain and blurry vision, among others.
Uremia
Uremia is the buildup of urea, a by-product of protein breakdown, in the blood. The kidneys normally filter urea from the blood, and the body excretes it in urine. Symptoms of uremia include fatigue, bleeding, lethargy, disorientation, inability to sustain attention, seizures, involuntary hand tremors, shooting pains in the body and inflammation of the lining of the heart.
