Critical care clinics
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Acute renal failure in the ICU is a clinically diverse entity. Consequently, the indications for initiation of dialysis therapy are varied. In general, the indications are solute control, volume control, or both. ⋯ The impact of modality selection on outcome remains an area of significant controversy. Future studies in which more uniformity within specific subgroups of patients with ARF is sought may shed light on the optimal modality for a particular patient group. Newer therapies aimed at more optimal and more specific blood purification may prove promising in the management of complex critically ill patients with ARF and other comorbid conditions.