Injury - kidney and ureter

Some nephrotoxic substances have specific treatments to counteract them. For example, lead poisoning may be treated with chelation therapy, which involves the use of penicillamine, a medication that binds with the lead and allows it to be excreted from the body. Gout and other causes of uric acid accumulation may be treated with allopurinol or similar medications.

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Injury caused by infection or inflammation should be treated as appropriate for the specific type of glomerulonephritis or acute tubular necrosis that develops. Treatment may include medications, such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and others.

Treatment may also include dietary restrictions and treatment of acute kidney failure.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies depending on the cause and extent of injury. The damage may be mild and reversible, it may be immediately life-threatening, or it may be prolonged and result in complications.

Complications:

Pain
Renal hypertension (even if no other signs of renal failure)
Infection of the urinary tract
Infection of other areas (peritonitis, sepsis)
Bleeding, minor
Bleeding, severe (hemorrhage)
Shock
Acute renal failure, one or both kidneys
Chronic renal failure, one or both kidneys
Renal artery stenosis

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate injury to the kidney or ureter, especially if there is a history of physical injury, exposure to potentially toxic substances, illness, or infection.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if decreased urine output develops after kidney injury -- this may indicate kidney failure.