Answer:
Intrarenal causes of acute kidney injury (AKI) refer to conditions that directly affect the structures within the kidney itself, leading to impaired kidney function. Some common intrarenal causes of AKI include:
Acute Tubular Necrosis (ATN): This is the most frequent cause of intrarenal AKI. ATN occurs when the tubular cells of the kidney are damaged, often due to ischemia (lack of blood supply) or nephrotoxic agents like certain medications, contrast dyes, or toxins.
Glomerulonephritis: This refers to inflammation of the glomeruli, which are the tiny filters in the kidney responsible for filtering blood. Glomerulonephritis can be caused by various immune-mediated conditions, infections, or systemic diseases, and it can lead to AKI.
Interstitial Nephritis: Interstitial nephritis involves inflammation of the kidney's interstitial tissue, which surrounds the tubules. It can result from allergic reactions, autoimmune disorders, infections, or certain medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Renal Vascular Diseases: Conditions affecting the blood vessels within the kidney, such as renal artery stenosis or thrombosis, can cause AKI by reducing blood flow to the kidney or obstructing blood flow entirely.
Renal Cortical Necrosis: This is a rare but severe condition characterized by the death of cells in the outer layer (cortex) of the kidney. It is often caused by severe low blood pressure, clotting disorders, or complications during pregnancy.
These are just a few examples of intrarenal causes of AKI. It's important to note that there can be other conditions or factors contributing to kidney injury, and a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the precise cause and appropriate treatment for a specific individual.