Acute Renal Failure With Prolonged Oliguria

Recovery of kidney function following acute renal failure with prolonged oliguria is an unusual event. This report describes five patients with acute tubular necrosis who remained oliguric for longer than 30 days, but who eventually underwent diuresis. One patient achieved normal renal function. In the remaining four, recovery of function was incomplete but sufficient to permit a comfortable existence independent of hemodialysis. In acute tubular necrosis, even when oliguria is prolonged, an eventual diuresis and return of adequate renal function should be anticipated.