Acute renal failure in pregnancy

Abstract

Objectives: To provide an evidence-based, up-to-date review of the literature regarding the assessment and management of acute renal failure that may affect women during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Design: A review of the current literature was performed.

Results: Acute renal failure is a rare complication of pregnancy but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Management requires knowledge of the renal physiologic changes occurring in pregnancy and the relevant diagnoses, both pregnancy-specific and those that may coincidentally occur with pregnancy. In addition, fetal effects must be taken into consideration.

Conclusions: Ideal care for women with acute renal failure in pregnancy or postpartum requires a multidisciplinary approach that may include maternal-fetal medicine, critical care medicine, nephrology, and neonatology specialists.