ACUTE-RENAL-FAILURE .1. RISK-FACTORS, PREVENTION, AND STRATEGIES FOR PROTECTION

Careful management of high-risk patients can reduce the incidence and severity of acute renal failure. Medical disorders associated with a h igh incidence of acute renal failure include trauma, cardiovascular di sease, pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, and preexisting chronic renal disease. Clinical situations that enhance the risk for acute renal fai lure include dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, systemic hypotens ion, prolonged surgery, and sepsis. Frequent measurement of urine prod uction and enzyme excretion helps to provide early recognition of rena l insufficiency, and therapies currently under investigation show prom ise for prevention and treatment of acute renal failure in the future.