An Evaluation of the Management of Acute Renal Failure with Dialysis

This paper proposes to analyze data obtained on 38 patients with acute renal failure treated by dialysis at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital in 1957 and to demonstrate the use of a punch-card system for correlating 166 variables. The latter deserves wider use, and if generally adopted for analysis of acute renal failure, a nation-wide survey might profitably be done.*

Methods  Fluid intake was restricted to 600 ml/24 hours if anuria existed.¹ Electrolytes were not administered unless they were demonstrably lost.² A forced high-caloric low-protein regimen was instituted as far as was practical.³ If dialysis was indicated, twin-coil artificial kidneys f were used. The technique has been described.^4-6The purpose of the artificial kidney is to remove retention products and correct electrolyte abnormalities; at the same time ultrafiltration may remove edema fluid. In small children only one coil was utilized and dialysis was done for four hours.