Furosemide and acute renal failure.

High dose of intravenous furosemide (2 g/24 hr) was given to six patients with acute renal failure due to leptospirosis. The results, based on urine flow, changes in serum creatinine and creatinine clearance, were compared with a control group of eight patients with the same disease and comparable degree of renal failure. Excellent diuresis was observed following furosemide therapy but renal function and the clinical course of the disease were unaltered. The duration of renal failure was the same in both groups.