Protecting the kidney during critical illness.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Acute renal failure causes considerable morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. To date, there are few therapies available to clinicians that alter outcome. This review will focus on clinical and basic science research efforts related to the diagnosis, pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of acute renal failure. RECENT
FINDINGS: The incidence of acute renal failure may be increasing and the mortality rate continues to be significant. The development of sensitive, predictive biomarkers of acute renal failure may help to diagnose the syndrome earlier and allow for meaningful therapeutic intervention. A number of new therapies are in development for acute renal failure. Many show promise in animal models of acute renal failure but prospective studies in humans are lacking.
SUMMARY: Despite the present lack of therapies for the treatment and prevention of acute renal failure, there are reasons to be optimistic. Recent research has led to the development of several different strategies that may provide a breakthrough in the treatment of acute renal failure.