Renal Replacement Therapy In Patients With Acute Renal Failure In Intensive Care Units

The human body is nearly two-thirds water. The renal system affects all parts of the body by keeping other organ systems functioning normally and the fluids in balance.The kidneys are complex organs that are vital in maintaining normal body functions. The primary function of the kidney is to regulate the fluid and electrolyte and acid-base balances of the body to create a stable environment for tissue and cell metabolism. This life-sustaining function is accomplished by balancing solute and water transport, excreting metabolic waste products, conserving nutrients, and regulating acid-base balance in the body.The most common cause of in-hospital acute renal failure is acute tubular necrosis resulting from multiple nephrotoxic insults such as sepsis, hypotension, and use of nephrotoxic drugs or radiocontrast media.Patients at risk include elderly people; patients with diabetes, hypertension, or vascular disease; and those with pre-existing renal impairment. No drug treatment has been shown to limit the progression of, or speed up recovery from, acute renal failure.