American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation
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Mechanical ventilation is a standard component of intensive care unit management of critically ill patients and widely used for respiratory support. Patients requiring ventilation often have renal dysfunction that can occur as a consequence of the underlying disease or be related to the therapy. ⋯ Previous experimental studies and few clinical reports have shown a significant effect of mechanical ventilation on renal function. This review compiles the information in this area and provides a framework for future investigation in this field.