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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
09:02
A Large Animal Model for Acute Kidney Injury by Temporary Bilateral Renal Artery Occlusion
Published on: February 2, 2021
Acute renal failure in pregnancy.
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina 28277-8896, USA. JudithHPoole@compuserve.com
MCN. the American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing
|March 20, 1999
Summary
Acute renal failure (ARF) in pregnancy is rare but challenging. Pregnancy alters kidney function, complicating ARF assessment and requiring careful monitoring of maternal and fetal well-being.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Nephrology
- Perinatal Nursing
Background:
- Acute renal failure (ARF) in pregnancy presents unique diagnostic and management challenges.
- Physiological changes in pregnancy, such as hydronephrosis and hydroureter, alter standard renal assessment parameters.
- Urinary stasis and enhanced filtration during pregnancy can lead to misleading laboratory values (e.g., lower BUN and serum creatinine).
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the complexities of diagnosing and managing ARF in pregnant women.
- To emphasize the importance of understanding pregnancy-induced renal alterations for accurate assessment.
- To underscore the critical role of perinatal nurses in monitoring maternal and fetal status.
Main Methods:
- Review of physiological changes in pregnancy affecting renal function.
- Analysis of how these changes impact ARF assessment and laboratory interpretation.
- Discussion of maternal and fetal risks associated with ARF during pregnancy.
Main Results:
- Pregnancy significantly alters baseline renal function and laboratory values, complicating ARF diagnosis.
- Physiological hydronephrosis and enhanced filtration can mask or mimic ARF.
- Maternal risks include acidemia and fluid/electrolyte imbalances; fetal risks involve compromise due to maternal instability.
Conclusions:
- Accurate ARF assessment in pregnancy requires a thorough understanding of normal pregnancy physiology.
- Perinatal nurses play a vital role in continuous maternal and fetal monitoring.
- Changes in fetal status may be an early indicator of maternal compromise.
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