Acute renal failure in the intensive care unit: aetiological and predisposing factors and outcome

Acute renal failure (ARF) in the intensive care unit (ICU) complicates 20 to 35% of admissions worldwide. There is no information on the pattern of ARF in our ICU and factors that influence survival.

To determine the magnitude of acute renal failure, and outcome among patients at an ICU in Nigeria.

Adult patients requiring intensive care, and with ARF were recruited. Severity of ARF was assessed using the Liano prognostic scoring system and a modified version of APACHE II prognostic scores. Haemodialysis was offered when indicated. Management outcomes were noted while a relationship was sought between severity of ARF and outcome.

Forty (19.6%) of the 204 patients managed during the period had ARF. These included 28 (70%) males and 12 (30%) females. Twelve (30%) of the patients had head injury while eight (20%) had major burns. Surgical sepsis accounted for seven (17.5%), while six (15%) patients had advanced metastatic carcinoma. Multiple fractures accounted for four (10%) while other causes accounted for the remaining 16 (40%). The mean serum creatinine and urea were 863.3+95umol per litre and 19.45(4.1) mmol per litre respectively. The Liano scores ranged from 33% to 99% , mean of 61 + or - 4.2%) while modified APACHE II score ranged from 5-19 (mean of 11 + or - 3.2). There was a significant correlation between the Liano scores and outcome (p<0.007) while the modified APACHE II score did not influence the outcome (P>0.05). Eighty percent of patients who had two or more organ failure died compared to 20% of the patients with less than two organ failure. Eight (20%) patients survived. Dialysis therapy significantly influenced outcome as 100% of the dialysed patients survived compared to 80% of those who were not.

Acute renal failure presents a continuing challenge in the ICU setting with attendant of high morbidity and mortality. Dialysis significantly influences survival, hence, the service should be provided in every intensive care unit.