Factors such as diuretic use may invalidate their results. Urinalysis in renal failure. If prerenal cause, generally normal UA with only hyaline casts. In glomerulonephritis, hematuria and proteinuria will be present. Renal function generally returns to adequate level if patient survives acute phase, which usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks.
Sepsis is a major cause of death in renal failure.
Ischemic and hypoperfusion injury. Shock, sepsis, hypox-ia, hypotension, or surgery. Radiologic contrast media, heavy metals, aminoglycosides, myoglobinuria from burns, trauma, polymyositis, cisplatin, IV acyclovir, and many other drugs. Diagnosis often apparent because of clinical history. Urinalysis may reveal renal epithelial cells, cellular casts, or may be normal.