Prognosis in posttraumatic acute renal failure is adversely influenced by hypotension and hyperkalaemia.
OBJECTIVE
To see if it is possible to predict mortality in isolated post-traumatic acute renal failure.


METHODS
Retrospective study 1984-1990 inclusive.


METHODS
Teaching hospital, South Africa.


METHODS
Thirty-nine patients who developed isolated post-traumatic acute renal failure out of 106526 admissions for trauma.


METHODS
Standard aggressive management of traumatic injury and acute renal failure.


METHODS
Death.


RESULTS
Fifteen of the 39 patients who developed post-traumatic acute renal failure died (39%). Blunt trauma from assaults was a major cause of acute renal failure (16/39, 41%). Hypotension and hyperkalaemia were the two main predictors of death having a mortality of 63% and 52%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians should be aware of the risks of hypotension and hyperkalaemia in injured patients. Preventive measures such as aggressive resuscitation and timely correction of serum electrolyte concentrations are essential in such patients.
Nadvi
S S
SS
Department of Surgery, University of Natal Medical School, Durban, South Africa.
Mokoena
T
T
Gouws
E
E
Haffejee
A A
AA
D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D000328:Adult; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000209:etiology*; D007022:Hypotension / Q000209:etiology*; D007668:Kidney / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000209:etiology*
D004232:Diuretics