Who is most likely to experience acute renal failure (ARF)?

Hospitalized severely ill patients are particularly vulnerable to acute renal failure (ARF) due to a combination of factors commonly present in this population. These patients often experience fluctuations in blood pressure, dehydration, and exposure to nephrotoxic medications or contrast agents, all of which can compromise kidney function.

Severe illness can also lead to systemic conditions, such as sepsis or major surgical procedures, which increase the likelihood of acute kidney injury. The renal perfusion may decrease due to altered hemodynamics, making these patients more susceptible to conditions that lead to ARF.

In contrast, outpatients with mild conditions are generally stable and less likely to experience significant renal compromise. While athletes may experience dehydration or renal stress after competition, it usually does not progress to acute renal failure in otherwise healthy individuals. People with chronic renal conditions have an ongoing impairment but may not necessarily experience an acute decline unless they face additional stressors or complications.