What is Acute Renal Failure (ARF)?

Acute renal failure (ARF) is the sudden, potentially reversible interruption of kidney function, resulting in retention of nitrogenous waste products in body fluids.

Think of ARF as a sudden power cut to the kidneys. The word 'potentially reversible' is crucial - ARF can get better, unlike CKD. Nitrogenous wastes (urea, creatinine) build up because the kidneys cannot excrete them.

📖 “ARF is the sudden, potentially reversible interruption of kidney function.”