Table 3.

Systemic effects of acute renal failure

Uraemic intoxication Metabolic derangement: carbohydrates, lipids, amino-acids/proteins Endocrine abnormalities: insulin resistance, hyperparathyroidism Metabolic acidosis

The ‘injured’ kidney: a pro-inflammatory mediator Increased release/impaired catabolism and elimination of cytokines Activation of immunocompetent cells Release of factors promoting distal organ injury