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Nephrology14 papers

Acute tubular necrosis

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is a form of kidney injury characterized by damage to the renal tubular epithelial cells, often resulting from ischemia, toxins, or trauma 1.

Diagnosis

  • Renal biopsy showing histological features of ATN is definitive 1.
  • No specific mention of routine diagnostic tests; clinical context and history of toxin exposure or ischemia are crucial 1.
  • Infraglomerular epithelial reflux or 'glomerular masses' noted in some cases but not pathognomonic 2.
  • Management

  • Supportive care including fluid management and addressing underlying causes is essential 1.
  • Specific drug treatments not detailed; focus on preventing further nephrotoxicity and managing complications 1.
  • No specific dosing or drug classes mentioned for ATN treatment 12.
  • Special Populations

  • No specific guidance provided for pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, or comorbidities in the given abstracts 12.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Renal biopsy may be necessary for definitive diagnosis of ATN 1 (Evidence: Weak).
  • Focus on supportive care and addressing the underlying cause of ATN 1 (Evidence: Weak).
  • Monitor for and manage potential glomerular lesions, though their clinical significance remains unclear 2 (Evidence: Weak).
  • References

    1 Suliman SM, Homeida M, Aboud OI. Paraphenylenediamine induced acute tubular necrosis following hair dye ingestion. Human toxicology 1983. link 2 Handa SP. Glomerular lesions in acute tubular necrosis. Postgraduate medical journal 1970. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Paraphenylenediamine induced acute tubular necrosis following hair dye ingestion.Suliman SM, Homeida M, Aboud OI Human toxicology (1983)
    2. [2]
      Glomerular lesions in acute tubular necrosis.Handa SP Postgraduate medical journal (1970)

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