Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
193 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Death With Severe Diarrhoea And Kidney Failure?

Hi recently one of my family members passed away... a night before she got admitted she had severe diarrhea, and when she got to the hospital they told her family her kidneys were failing... I am not sure what happened because they have not done an autopsy. Do you have any ideas of what may have caused her sudden death?

Thank you
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Tue, 13 May 2014 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 14 May 2014 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Thank you for the query.
Severe diarrhea can lead to considerable fluid loss and cause dehydration. The kidney perfusion is hampered in such situations, and the subject may develop a condition, which is known as Pre-renal failure or Acute Kidney Injury, in which there is a sudden, gross derangement of renal parameters (urea, creatinine) and decreased urinary output. However, such patients may be revived with generous intravenous fluid administration, at the right time, before irreversible renal damage occurs.
Also, if a patient already has a diseased kidney due to some conditions like diabetes mellitus or hypertension, such a situation may cause an aggravation, also known as the Acute on Chronic renal failure.
There is another type of infective diarrhea (due to E.coli) which may lead to the devlopment of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, which might also lead to failing kidneys.
Old age and comorbidities, may aggravate any of the situations.
Hope this helps you.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Severe diarrhea


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Death With Severe Diarrhoea And Kidney Failure?

Thank you for the query. Severe diarrhea can lead to considerable fluid loss and cause dehydration. The kidney perfusion is hampered in such situations, and the subject may develop a condition, which is known as Pre-renal failure or Acute Kidney Injury, in which there is a sudden, gross derangement of renal parameters (urea, creatinine) and decreased urinary output. However, such patients may be revived with generous intravenous fluid administration, at the right time, before irreversible renal damage occurs. Also, if a patient already has a diseased kidney due to some conditions like diabetes mellitus or hypertension, such a situation may cause an aggravation, also known as the Acute on Chronic renal failure. There is another type of infective diarrhea (due to E.coli) which may lead to the devlopment of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, which might also lead to failing kidneys. Old age and comorbidities, may aggravate any of the situations. Hope this helps you.