Biomarkers of acute kidney injury

Abstract

AKI is a common condition with a high risk of death. This condition can be identified easily and treated early with a good outcome. The standard metrics used to define AKI like serum creatinine blood urea nitrogen are insensitive and nonspecific and change significantly only after huge injury which can lead to delay in diagnosis and treatment. The kidney is capable in withstanding injuries for an prolonged period. The lacking of knowledge of biomarkers has led to an increase in morbidity. As children progress to higher stages of AKI the risk and morbidity increase. The urine has yielded promising markers for early detection of AKI and also helps in anticipation. These markers help in the identification of the mechanism of injury, assessment of the site, and severity of the injury. One or more of these biomarkers, singly or in combination will help in diagnosis, intervention, and progression of the disease. The use of creatinine as a marker of AKI has various limitations, like variation in its secretion and extrarenal excretion. Toxin-mediated AKI may be amenable to biomarker detection given the direct tubular injury Imparted by various toxins.