The pathophysiology of acute renal failure

Abstract

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a syndrome that can be defined as an abrupt decrease in renal function sufficient to result in retention of nitrogenous waste in the body. ARF can result from a decrease of renal blood flow, intrinsic renal parenchymal diseases, or obstruction of urine flow. There has been little progress in preventing and treating ARF, but with a better understanding of cell injury mechanisms and by carefully defining populations at risk for developing ARF, treatment strategies could be developed. © 2006 Humana Press Inc.