Acute renal failure in hospitalized patients.

Distinguishing among the three categories of acute renal failure is important, as the evaluation and management are tailored to the particular cause. Most cases are due to acute tubular necrosis. To minimize the risk, we should give hospital patients adequate hydration, use potentially nephrotoxic drugs with caution, keep the use of radiographic contrast agents to a minimum, and give patients at risk a nonionic instead of ionic contrast agent when undergoing radiographic procedures.