Acute Kidney Failure

Acute kidney failure occurs when kidneys suddenly become unable to filter waste products from blood. When kidneys lose their filtering ability, dangerous levels of wastes may accumulate, and blood's chemical makeup may get out of balance. Kidneys are the organs that help filter waste products from the blood.

They are also involved in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production in the body. It is caused by a sudden, serious drop in blood flow to the kidneys. Heavy blood loss, an injury, or a bad infection called sepsis can reduce blood flow to the kidneys. Not enough fluid in the body also can harm the kidneys.