Diuretics in acute renal failure.

Studies on the ability of loop diuretics, mannitol, dopamine, and atrial natriuretic peptide to ameliorate or reverse human acute renal failure are reviewed. A precise role for diuretic therapy in this clinical setting has not been established. Most reports are retrospective, poorly controlled, or simply anecdotal. There is a need for prospective, randomly allocated studies on adequate numbers of patients. While the use of diuretic agents may improve fluid balance management in patients at risk of developing acute renal failure, maintenance of adequate effective circulating volume and oxygen delivery probably provides the best-proven protection.