Definitions, Classification, and Screening of Acute Kidney Injury

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI; previously acute renal failure) is defined as an acute and sustained deterioration in kidney function. As AKI is a descriptive term, an attempt should be made to establish a diagnosis in patients with AKI. There are numerous causes of AKI, and all or part of the kidney may be affected. This review discusses the definitions of AKI, measurement of renal function, incidence of AKI, baseline serum creatinine, grading and severity of AKI, and screening for AKI. Figures show renal reserve and renal tubule. Tables list consensus definitions of AKI, effect of patient demographics on serum creatinine concentration, endogenous compounds that can interfere with colorimetric modified Jaffe-based reactions for determining serum creatinine concentration, risk factors for developing AKI in adult patients proposed by the Renal Angina Index, and risk factors for developing acute contrast-induced kidney injury in adult patients. Key Words: Acute kidney injury; Acute renal failure; Glomerular filtration rate; Serum creatinine; Kidney function; Estimated glomerular filtration rate; Biomarkers of AKI