In a historical cohort study, acute renal failure developed in 16.5% of 157 patients with rhabdomyolysis over a two-year study period. Underlying clinical, laboratory, and causative factors associated with the development of acute renal failure were examined. Factors predictive of renal failure in this setting, determined by multiple logistic regression analysis, included the degree of serum creatine kinase, serum potassium, and serum phosphorus level elevation; the degree of depression of serum albumin level; and the presence of dehydration at presentation or sepsis as the underlying cause. The predictive model that was developed correctly classified 93% of subjects and was statistically validated.