electrolyte and acid-base homeostasis. In general terms, ARF is manifested
clinically as a decline in urine output and a concomitant elevation of BUN and
serum creatinine.
When using UO as a marker of acute renal failure (ARF), the clinician should
keep in mind that a low UO does not always correlate with the severity of renal
dysfunction. A classic example of normal diuresis during ARF is non-oliguric
renal failure. Another example of ARF with normal or acceptable UO includes
children receiving promoters of diuresis. Examples of these are diuretics and
mannitol.
Renal failure criteria
Changes in urine output or serum markers of renal failure do not always reflect
the severity of renal failure or indicate if the renal function is worsening or