genitourinary disorders
Acute Tubular Necrosis (ATN)
Key Points
Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) can develop after various disorders or triggers decrease renal perfusion or expose the kidneys to toxins. Other than oliguria in severe cases, symptoms do not develop unless and until renal failure develops. Differentiate ATN from prerenal azotemia by the response to volume expansion and by urine and blood chemistry tests and calculations derived from them. Correct the cause of ATN as soon as possible to achieve a good short-term prognosis. Stop nephrotoxins, maintain euvolemia, and treat infection and undernutrition. 