The kidneys, bean-shaped organs located on either side of the abdomen, have multiple functions. They are an essential part of the urinary system and help concentrate waste products into urine for excretion. They also produce necessary hormones, help regulate blood pressure and mediate electrolyte balance. Acute renal failure is the rapid decrease in function of the kidneys that results in the buildup of waste, fluids and electrolytes. Acute renal failure can be fatal. With immediate treatment, however, healthy individuals can fully recover.
Death
The most severe possible effect of acute renal failure is death. According to Nephrologychannel.com, before the development of renal replacement therapy---palliative therapies designed to support kidney function---most people who developed acute renal failure died of severe electrolyte imbalances, toxicity, seizures, bleeding and comas. Renal replacement therapy takes over when the kidneys fail, helping to mitigate these effects to some degree. According to MayoClinic.com, death is more likely to occur in patients who have had previous kidney problems prior to developing acute renal failure.
Chronic Renal Failure
A possible effect or complication of acute renal failure is the development of chronic renal failure. This occurs because of damage done to the kidneys during an episode of acute renal failure that makes them unable to return to full function. Chronic renal failure usually gets worse over time and the kidneys' ability to perform properly decreases slowly to the point of failure. Chronic renal failure leads to the buildup of waste products and fluids throughout the body and can affect many different body systems, including red blood cell production, blood pressure control and bone health, according to MedlinePlus. People with chronic renal failure experience high blood pressure; therefore, a primary goal of treatment is to control blood pressure. The buildup of fluids and wastes throughout the body can cause heart and lung damage and result in death.
End-Stage Renal Disease
As chronic renal failure progresses to the point where the kidneys no longer remove wastes or perform any other functions, end-stage renal disease occurs. Individuals who reach this point in their kidney function require dialysis or a transplant, which are the only two treatments possible. Both of these treatments have significant risks. According to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, transplantation is more effective when a patient receives the transplanted kidney early from a living donor, even before receiving dialysis.
