The most common causes of acute renal failure are dehydration, serious illnesses that cause heart or liver failure, severe blood loss, shock, or traumatic injury such as a burn. It may also occur in: those with conditions that block the flow of urine, such as kidney stones, tumors, or enlarged or inflamed prostate gland; those with a blood infection (sepsis); or those with kidney damage caused by kidney disease or exposure to a toxic (poisonous) substance like in our college mate?s case. Treatment for acute renal failure depends upon the cause. In your friend?s case the poison needs has to be removed from the body along with that he has to be monitored for intake and output of fluids so treatment and medications can be adjusted as necessary. In severe conditions, he will need dialysis, a procedure in which waste products are filtered from the blood for the kidneys. While dialysis is usually necessary for the short term, until the kidneys have regained full function, there is a possibility that the kidneys will suffer permanent damage. In these cases, he may need life-long dialysis, or a kidney transplant.