In an effort to improve patient outcomes and reduce cost in the intens
ive care unit (ICU), clinical trials in this setting are being carried
out with increasing frequency. Unique features and problems in pursui
ng these treatment studies have been encountered. This article, writte
n by investigators who have recently carried out or are currently perf
orming clinical trials with acute renal failure patients in the ICU, p
rovides insight into these special features and problems and offers so
me potential solutions.