Symptom 2: Renal Dysfunction – An Alarming Indicator of MODS
When it comes to MODS, the kidneys, our body’s prime waste and toxin filtration system, might start to falter. Renal dysfunction or kidney failure often features prominently on the list of symptoms indicating MODS.
Under normal circumstances, the kidneys filter out waste and excess fluid from the blood, which are then expelled from the body through urine. However, in MODS, this filtration process is compromised.
The first sign of kidney trouble could be a decrease in urine output. Despite adequate fluid intake, the quantity of urine produced may reduce significantly, or the patient may stop passing urine altogether. This condition, known as oliguria or anuria, respectively, signals that the kidneys are unable to filter waste from the blood efficiently.
As the condition advances, a build-up of waste products in the blood, or uremia, can occur. It can lead to symptoms like fatigue, confusion, or loss of appetite. Further, a blood test may reveal elevated creatinine and urea levels, indicating poor kidney function.
In the later stages of renal dysfunction, the patient might require renal replacement therapy, like dialysis or kidney transplantation. Thus, early detection of changes in urine output or other kidney-related symptoms can play a pivotal role in managing MODS. (2)
