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Patients & Visitors

Acute Kidney Injury

What is the function of the kidneys?

Most people are born with two kidneys, one on either side at the back of the abdomen. They are wrapped in a thick layer of protective fat. Kidneys are important for cleaning the blood of excess salts and acid. They also get rid of some waste products and they balance fluid levels in the body. Kidneys help us to maintain bone health and normal blood pressure. Kidneys produce urine as a result of all these processes.

What is Acute Kidney Injury?

Acute kidney injury is the newer name for what used to be called acute renal failure. It means that the kidneys are not working as well as they were, and that this has happened quite suddenly.  It is usually a result of a serious illness such as a severe infection or major bleeding and it is not a disease itself.

It can happen over a period of hours, days or perhaps weeks and if picked up and treated promptly the majority will lead to the kidneys returning normal.

If you have been diagnosed with an Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) or would like to find out more please see the resources below.

Patient information leaflets

Acute Kidney Injury

Hydration and kidney health

Further sources of advice and support

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