Trends in acute renal failure associated with coronary artery bypass graft surgery in the United States

Abstract

Our findings suggest that the observed increase in acute renal failure diagnosis rates may be partly attributable to less restrictive criteria for acute renal failure diagnosis, consistent with acute renal failure patterns observed in other clinical settings. Although the need for dialysis is a relatively clear benchmark for diagnosing acute renal failure, use of alternate criteria to define this disorder has become more common, perhaps contributing to higher diagnosis rates. We conclude that the nationwide trend of acute renal failure associated with coronary artery bypass graft surgery has significantly increased from 1988 to 2003. Despite declining mortality, acute renal failure remains a burden on healthcare resources.