Novel approaches to the treatment of acute renal failure

Acute renal failure (ARF) occurs frequently in hospitalised patients and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Many therapeutic stra tegies have been undertaken both to prevent acute renal injury and, once AR F occurs, to improve renal function and reduce mortality. Among the availab le pharmacological options, no specific therapy has been shown to alter the course of ARF. This article reviews the efficacy of several strategies in experimental renal disease and raises the possibility that similar interven tions might be available to the clinician in the near future for the preven tion and management of ARF. The prospect of these novel strategies together with the ever-increasing understanding of the complex pathophysiology of A RF, offers the promise of effective and more physiological therapeutic inte rventions in this new millennium.