Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist) Questions Kidney Infections

Can a kidney problems cause confusion?

My father is suffering from a kidney infection that is causing his kidney function to suffer. Since then, he has also been very confused. Could this cause confusion in his mind?

4 Answers

He must has some other problems. You have to take him to have a whole physical exam.
Other reasons for altered mental status need to be ruled out before ascribing “confusion” to a lower or upper urinary tract infection. If he has frank pyelonephritis he would systemically ill and likely require admission for imaging and to tailor antibiotics.
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Infections in the elderly can cause confusion. Advanced kidney disease (<10%-15% function) can cause confusion and in more advanced stages can result in coma, these problems could indicate need to initiate renal replacement therapy.
Yes