BACKGROUND: The exact role of renal dysfunction in critically ill cirrhotics admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) has not been assessed extensively.AIM: To evaluate the impact of acute renal failure (ARF) on 6 weeks mortality in cirrhotics admitted to ICU.PATIENTS/METHODS: Three hundred and twelve cirrhotics (182 male, mean age 49.6+/-11.5 years) were consecutively admitted during the study period. The patients (n=128, 40%) (group 1) with ARF on admission and/or during ICU were compared with the patients whose ICU stay was not complicated with ARF (n=184, 60%) (group 2). At admission, 40 variables were available, whereas Child-Turcotte-Pugh, Model for End-stage Liver Disease, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and Failure Organ System scores on admission, were evaluated and compared by receiver operating characteristic curves.RESULTS: Group 1, compared with group 2 patients, had longer ICU stay (7 vs. 4 days, P=0.04) and required cardiovascular support more frequently with inotropes (90 vs. 75%), (P<0.001). Mortality was significantly higher in group 1, compared with group 2 (91 vs. 47%, P<0.001). At admission, group 1, compared with group 2, had significantly higher Child-Turcotte-Pugh (12 vs. 11), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (22 vs. 17), Model for End-stage Liver Disease (31 vs. 21), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (13 vs. 9) and Failure Organ System (3 vs. 2) scores (P<0.001). In group 1, factors independently associated with mortality were: higher FiO2 (P=0.044), bilirubin (P=0.021) and creatinine (P=0.002) on admission. Mortality was not significantly different between those with ARF on admission, and those who developed ARF during ICU stay.CONCLUSION: ARF at admission or during ICU stay is strongly predictive of mortality, which is high, despite supportive therapeutic interventions. Preventive measures are needed to prevent ARF, to improve prognosis.