The use of diuretics in the acute care setting (intensive care units,
operating rooms and emergency departments) is an area of significant c
linical and laboratory research. These agents are frequently used to f
acilitate fluid management and in the hopes of protecting the kidneys
from injury. The pros and cons of continuous infusion of loop diuretic
s, and albumin supplementation are discussed along with the issues rel
ated to their use to avoid dialysis or to improve outcome. In addition
, the evidences is support of the use diuretics to prevent or treat ac
ute renal failure in the acute care setting are reviewed and discussed
.