What is the most common cause of death in patients with postoperative acute renal failure?

The most common cause of death in patients with postoperative acute renal failure is sepsis. Acute renal failure, particularly in the postoperative setting, often occurs as a consequence of multiple factors such as ischemia, nephrotoxins, infection, and systemic inflammatory responses.

Patients who develop acute renal failure post-surgery are at a higher risk for complications such as infections, primarily due to their altered immune response and potential for prolonged hospitalization. Sepsis, characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to infection leading to organ dysfunction, is more likely to occur in these patients. The combination of surgical stress, existing comorbidities, and the potential for exposure to pathogens during and after surgery contributes to the increased risk.

In the context of postoperative complications, while pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and stroke are significant concerns, sepsis remains a more prevalent cause of mortality in patients experiencing acute renal failure. The association between renal failure and higher rates of systemic infection underscores the critical role that sepsis plays in these cases. Therefore, recognizing sepsis as the leading cause of death provides valuable insight into the management and prevention strategies that may be necessary for at-risk surgical patients.