Prevailing patterns and predictor variables in patients with acute tubular necrosis

Abstract

The courses of 276 acute tubular necrosis patients (63% survival) referred for dialysis were reviewed in search for prognostic indicators. Of 28 possible predictor variables, a posttoxic cause and nonoliguria were favorable; myocardial infarction and peritonitis affected survival unfavorably. Total parenteral nutrition influenced survival favorably only in those with multiple complications or peritonitis. No single variables or combination predicted a lethal outcome. Since survivors were frequently restored to complete health an aggressive therapeutic approach even in the face of multiple complications is advocated.