DefinitionAcute (sudden) kidney failure is the sudden loss of the ability of the kidneys to remove waste and concentrate urine without losing electrolytes.Alternative NamesKidney failure; Renal failure; Renal failure - acute; ARF; Kidney injury - acuteCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThere are many possible causes of kidney damage. They include:Acute tubular necrosis (ATN)Autoimmune kidney disease, including: Acute nephritic syndromeInterstitial nephritisDecreased blood flow due to very low blood pressure, which can result from: BurnsDehydrationHemorrhageInjurySeptic shockSerious illnessSurgeryDisorders that cause clotting within the kidney's blood vessels: Hemolytic-uremic syndromeIdiopathic thrombocytopenic thrombotic purpura (ITTP)Malignant hypertensionTransfusion reactionSclerodermaI