ACUTE-RENAL-FAILURE .2. DIAGNOSIS, MANAGEMENT, AND PROGNOSIS

When acute renal failure is suspected, prerenal and postrenal influenc es should be considered and addressed. In cases of established intrins ic renal failure, history of the patient and physical examination find ings help to distinguish acute failure from decompensated chronic rena l disease. Management of acute renal failure involves fluid therapy, d iuretics and/or vasodilators, and management of electrolyte, acid-base , and other systemic complications. Aggressive therapy, including dial ysis procedures and nutritional support, may be required in some cases . The prognosis in cases of established acute renal failure is variabl e and depends on the severity of the renal insult and renal dysfunctio n, the extent of renal pathology, and individual response to therapy.