Acute renal failure: analysis of aetiological factors and outcome

To analyse the causes of acute renal failure [ARF] and management and outcome in these cases. All patients with ARF coming to SlUT between January 1990 and December 1998 were studied. A total of 1716 ARF cases were seen. Of these 43% had medica1, 28%surgical and 17% obstetrical causes. Haemodialysis was required in 88% of patients. Overall mortality was 18%. Causes of ARF in this part of the world is different from the western world. Preventable causes e.g. gastroenteritis, obstetrical haemorrhages, torture induced rhabdomyolysis and malaria, contribute to large percentage of the ARF population