ABSTRACT
Acute renal failure occurs when a sudden decrease in renal function leads to loss of biochemical homeostasis. Oliguria or anuria leads to accumulation of nitrogenous waste products and disturbance of water and electrolyte balance. It may occur as a result of renal hypoperfusion (prerenal), parenchymal damage (renal) or obstruction of the renal tract (post-renal). If not corrected, renal hypoperfusion will lead to acute tubular necrosis and, if the insult is severe, cortical necrosis will follow. Acute on chronic renal failure may be precipitated by dehydration or an intercurrent infection.
