RISK-FACTORS INFLUENCING SURVIVAL IN ICU ACUTE-RENAL-FAILURE

Factors influencing survival in ICU patients with acute renal failure (ARF) requiring dialysis were analysed from data collected prospective ly in an ARF registry. A total of 363 patients were analysed. Overall mortality was 79.1% and did not differ between medical and surgical pa tients. Factors associated with an increased risk of dying included th e development of any concomitant organ system failure, the number of f ailed organs, APACHE II score at the time of renal consultation for me dical patients, pre-existing chronic liver disease, and the number of days from ICU admission to institution of dialysis. Male gender reache d borderline significance. Survivors recovered renal function and disc ontinued dialysis in 65.7% of cases. We conclude that mortality rates for ARF in ICU patients continues to be high. Multi-system organ failu re (MSOF) occurs frequently and is the major cause of death.