ABSTRACT
Introduction Acute renal failure (ARF) or acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by a rapid decline in renal function accompanied by retention of nitrogenous waste products and alterations in electrolyte balance and fluid balance. Many clinically accepted definitions are used to identify when an increase in serum creatinine should be classified as acute renal failure, including an increase in creatinine of 0.5 mg/dL in 24 hours or a doubling of creatinine in 1 to 3 days. Regardless of which criterion is used, it is important to recognize ARF early, identify the cause, and initiate treatment to avoid patient morbidity, mortality, and irreversible kidney damage.
