ABSTRACT
Acute renal failure (ARF) is the generic term used to define an abrupt decrease in renal function sufficient to result in retention of nitrogenous wastes in the body. The hallmark of ARF is progressive azotaemia caused by the accumulation of the nitrogenous end-products of metabolism. This accumulation is accompanied by a wide range of other disturbances depending on the severity and duration of the renal dysfunction. These include metabolic derangements such as metabolic acidosis and hyperkalaemia, disturbances of body fluid balance and effects on many other organ systems.
