Complications

Potential complications of acute kidney failure include:

• Fluid buildup. Acute kidney failure may lead to a buildup of fluid in your lungs, which can cause shortness of breath.
• Chest pain. If the lining that covers your heart (pericardium) becomes inflamed, you may experience chest pain.
• Muscle weakness. When your body's fluids and electrolytes — your body's blood chemistry — are out of balance, muscle weakness can result.
• Permanent kidney damage. Occasionally, acute kidney failure causes permanent loss of kidney function, or end-stage renal disease. People with end-stage renal disease require either permanent dialysis — a mechanical filtration process used to remove toxins and wastes from the body — or a kidney transplant to survive.
• Death. Acute kidney failure can lead to loss of kidney function and, ultimately, death.