Acute Kidney Injury and Renal Replacement Therapy

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common syndrome encountered in critical illness and is associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. Despite attempts to prevent the development of AKI, its incidence continues to rise, probably due to increased recognition in the setting of clearer definitions of the stages of AKI. Despite advances in the field of Nephrology, the treatment of AKI and its complications remains difficult in clinical practice. Critical care clinicians must have an understanding of the current definitions, pathophysiology, and treatment modalities. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is a mainstay of treatment, but a lack of consensus regarding the optimal timing for initiation remains. There is a need for further research regarding both the timing of initiation of RRT and biomarkers that might allow earlier detection, differentiation of etiologies and monitoring of interventions. This review contains 3 figures, 4 tables, and 31 references Key Words: acute kidney injury (AKI), KDIGO, renal replacement therapy (RRT), risk, injury, failure, loss of kidney function, end stage renal disease (RIFLE), nephrology