Management of acute renal failure
- Correspondence to: Dr A C Fry Department of Renal Medicine, Lister Hospital, Coreys Mill Lane, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 4AB, UK; andyfry{at}doctors.org.uk
- Received 17 June 2005
- Accepted 3 August 2005
Abstract
Acute renal failure is a common condition, frequently encountered in both community practice and hospital inpatients. While it remains a heterologous condition, following basic principles makes investigation straightforward, and initial management follows a standard pathway in most patients. This article shows this, advises on therapeutic strategies, including those in special situations, and should help the clinician in deciding when to refer to a nephrologist, and when to consider renal replacement therapy.
- ARF, acute renal failure
- ATN, acute tubular necrosis
- AIN, acute interstitial nephritis
- GFR, glomerular filtration rate
- NSAID, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
- ACE-I, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
- ARB, angiotensin receptor blockers
- RRT, renal replacement therapy
- CRRT, continuous renal replacement therapy
- RPGN, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis
Footnotes
-
Funding: none.
-
Competing interests: none declared
