Multicentre, Unblinded, Randomised, Controlled Trial of Severe Acute Renal Failure (ARF)

INTERVENTION: Acute Renal Failure Management with an Augmented vs. Normal Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) Regimen in Intensive Care Unit Patients. CONDITION: Acute Renal Failure PRIMARY OUTCOME: The primary study outcome is death from all causes at 90 days after randomisation. SECONDARY OUTCOME: CRRT‐free days. Death in the intensive care unit. Death prior to hospital discharge. Death within 28 days of randomisation. Dialysis‐independent survival. Length of hospital stay. Length of ICU stay. The need for and duration of other organ support (inotropic/vasopressor support and positive pressure ventilation). INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1.The treating clinician believes that the patient requires CRRT for acute renal failure. 2. The clinician is uncertain about the balance of benefits and risks likely to be conferred by treatment with higher intensity or lower intensity CRRT. 3. The patient fulfils one of the following clinical criteria for initiating CRRT: Oliguria (urine output < 100ml/6hr) that has been unresponsive to fluid resuscitation measures. Hyperkalemia ([K+] > 6.5 mmol/liter). Severe acidemia (pH < 7.2). Urea > 25mmol/liter. Clinically significant organ oedema (eg: lung). Creatinine >300mmol/liter 4. The treating clinicians anticipate treating the patient with CRRT for at least 72 hours.