Changes

Azotaemia may cause the clinical syndrome of [[Uraemia|'''uraemia''']], affecting multiple organ systems.  The causes of azotaemia are usually divided into pre-renal, renal and post-renal:

Azotaemia may cause the clinical syndrome of [[Uraemia|'''uraemia''']], affecting multiple organ systems.  The causes of azotaemia are usually divided into pre-renal, renal and post-renal:

===Pre-renal azotaemia===

===Pre-renal azotaemia===

This occurs when the kidney receives insufficient oxygen to maintain its metabolism:

This occurs when the kidney receives insufficient oxygen via blood flow to maintain its normal metabolic processes:

*'''Dehydration/hypovolaemia''', reducing renal blood flow.

*'''Dehydration/hypovolaemia''', reducing renal blood flow.

*'''Heart failure''' results in a reduced cardiac output, reducing renal blood flow.

*'''Heart failure''' results in a reduced cardiac output, reducing renal blood flow.

*'''Anaemia''' reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to the kidneys.

*'''Anaemia''' reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to the kidneys.

*'''Portal hypertension''' may result in splanchnic pooling of blood and reduced renal blood flow.

*'''Portal hypertension''' may result in splanchnic pooling of blood and reduced renal blood flow.

===Renal azotaemia===

===Renal azotaemia===

This occurs following a direct insult to the kidney:

This occurs following a direct insult to the kidney: