Fluid therapy in acute and chronic renal failure

Fluid therapy is one of the mainstays of treatment for renal failure, and rehydration is the primary goal. In those patients with ARF or "acute on chronic" decompensated CRF, induction of a diuresis to facilitate renal excretory function is important. Measurement of urine production in these patients helps guide fluid and electrolyte therapy. In oliguric renal failure, retention of water and electrolytes is likely, whereas in nonoliguric ARF as well as CRF, loss of water and electrolytes is the primary concern.