ABSTRACT
DEFINITION ARF is a syndrome characterized by a rapidly progressive (over hours to days) impairment of the kidney’s ability to maintain electrolyte homeostasis and excrete nitrogenous wastes. In humans, ARF is determined within the context of an increase of serum creatinine 44.2 μmol/l (0.5 mg/dl) over baseline. ARF is divided into three broad categories based on the origin of the renal impairment: pre-renal, renal, and postrenal. Two or more causes may co-exist simultaneously. Without timely intervention, pre-renal failure may easily and rapidly progress to intrinsic ARF.
