Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is defined as the abrupt loss of kidney excretory function with the accumulation of nitrogenous waste products and fluid overload. The etiologies of AKI are numerous and can largely be classified as prerenal, intrinsic, or postrenal. Complex pathways involving inflammatory mediators, vascular compromise, and direct cellular injury are triggered, and equally as complex pathways, including autophagy and fibrosis, are involved in the recovery. Prerenal azotemia is caused by a reduction in tissue perfusion with resulting AKI. Although acute tubular necrosis is the most common intrinsic etiology, other nephrotoxins and exposures can result in intrinsic injury as well. Postrenal AKI is due to obstruction of urinary flow. Herein, in further detail, the mechanisms, pathophysiology, and manifestations of these causes of AKI are discussed. Research into the mechanisms and development of markers and techniques to advance clinical practice is ongoing.