Dopamine in acute renal failure

Dopamine is widely used for prevention and treatment of acute renal failure. Its application is based on physiological data suggesting a selective renal effect when it is administrated at a low dose. There is no evidence that dopamine is useful in preventing acute renal failure in patients undergoing high risk procedures. Most of the studies demonstrated lack of benefit from dopamine treatment in cases of acute renal failure. Dopamine has a number of known side-effects. Large randomized controlled trials are required in order to examine outcomes such as mortality, the need for dialysis or the length of hospitalization. Conclusion: The use of dopamine for prevention and treatment of acute renal failure should be avoided.