Das akute oder rasch fortschreitende Nierenversagen im Alter.

Elderly patients are at increased risk to develop an acute or rapidly progressive renal failure. The acute renal injury (ARF) is mainly a problem of in-patients whereas out-patients often present with rapidly progressive kidney failure. The main cause for ARF is acute tubular necrosis, which has to be distinguished from prerenal or postrenal causes. The differential diagnosis of a rapid decline includes crescentic glomerulonephritis and acute interstitial nephritis. Diagnostic approaches and additional causes of renal failure in the elderly population are discussed in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]