Acute renal failure in the elderly: strategies for prevention. How the physiologic effects of aging increase nephrotoxic risk.

Elderly patients are susceptible to acute renal failure largely because of functional impairment of the kidneys secondary to diseases such as arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure. Successful prevention of renal failure in the elderly hinges on understanding the age-associated changes in renal anatomy and physiology. To prevent renal failure, rehydrate elderly patients who suffer significant fluid loss to avoid volume depletion. In addition, maintain adequate blood pressure in these patients, consider glomerular filtration rate when determining the dosage of nephrotoxic antibiotics, and administer saline preparation before injecting radiocontrast dyes.