Severe Acute Kidney Injury Research Articles

Renal Cortical Necrosis Complicating Postpartum Hemorrhage. Use of Tranexamic Acid: Solution or Problem? Case Report

Renal cortical necrosis associated with postpartum hemorrhage is a rare obstetric complication that can lead to end-stage renal disease. We report a case of a 37-year-old woman, admitted for preeclampsia complicated by in utero fetal death, having presented postpartum hemorrhage complicated by a retroplacental hematoma (RPH). She was treated with tranexamic acid to control bleeding. She subsequently presented a severe acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring hemodialysis with, on computed tomography (CT), the presence of bilateral renal cortical necrosis. A renal biopsy showed cortical necrosis lesions associated with glomerular and vascular thrombotic microangiopathy. There was no recovery of renal function, requiring long-term hemodialysis. Renal cortical necrosis, although rare, can occur in some cases of postpartum hemorrhage. Tranexamic acid would be involved and its use should be done with suspicion. The CT scan is an important diagnostic tool. Renal prognosis is poor.

Pioneering predictions of AKI and AKIN severity in burn patients: a comprehensive CBC approach

This study aims to evaluate the utility of complete blood count (CBC) markers, in conjunction with the acute kidney injury network (AKIN) criteria, for the early detection, severity assessment, and prediction of mortality outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in burn patients. The research seeks to fill existing gaps in knowledge and validate the cost-effectiveness of using CBC as a routine diagnostic tool for better management of AKI. The study was conducted at Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital. We performed a large-scale retrospective analysis of 2758 adult patients admitted to the burn intensive care unit over a 12-year period. Among these patients, AKI occurred in 1554 patients (56.3%). Based on the AKIN stage classification, 794 patients (28.8%) were categorized as AKIN 1, 494 patients (17.9%) as AKIN 2, and 266 patients (9.6%) as AKIN 3. We defined several ratio markers, including the Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and various mean platelet volume (MPV) ratios. Our statistical analyses, conducted using the R programming language, revealed significant correlations between these markers and AKI severity. The AUC values for neutrophil count and WBC count were 0.790 and 0.793, respectively, followed by immature granulocyte count with an AUC of 0.727. For red blood cell (RBC)-related parameters, the AUC values for hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), and RBC count were 0.725, 0.713, and 0.713, respectively. Among the platelet-related parameters, only platelet distribution width (PDW) had an AUC of 0.677. Among the ratio markers, the NLR had the highest AUC at 0.772, followed by MPVNR and SII with AUC values of 0.700 and 0.680, respectively. The findings underscore the potential of CBC as an economical, routine test for AKI, thereby paving the way for enhanced patient outcomes. Our study suggests the utility of routine CBC tests, specifically WBC count and PLR, for predicting AKI and platelet, MPV, and NLR for mortality assessment in burn patients. These findings underscore the potential of easily accessible CBC tests in enhancing AKI management. However, further multicenter studies are needed for validation.

Impact of Postarrest Vasoactive-Inotropic Score on Acute Kidney Injury in Cardiac Arrest Survivors: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Postarrest acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major health burden because it is associated with prolonged hospitalization, increased dialysis requirement, high mortality, and unfavorable neurological outcomes. Managing hemodynamic instability during the early postarrest period is critical; however, the role of quantified vasopressor dependence in AKI development in relation to illness severity remains unclear. A retrospective, observational cohort study that enrolled 411 non-traumatic adult cardiac arrest survivors without pre-arrest end-stage kidney disease between January 2017 and December 2019, grouped according to their baseline kidney function. The criteria for kidney injury were based on the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes definition and AKI staging system. The degree of vasopressor dependence within the first 24 h following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was presented using the maximum vasoactive-inotropic score ( ). Of the 411 patients, 181 (44%) had early AKI after ROSC. Patients with AKI showed an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR [aOR] 5.40, 95% CI 3.36-8.69, p 0.001) and unfavorable neurological outcome (aOR 5.70, 95% CI 3.45-9.43, p 0.001) compared to patients without AKI. The risk of adverse outcomes increased with illness severity. Patients with vasopressor support had an increased risk of early AKI. A low was associated with AKI stage 1-2 (aOR 2.51, 95% CI 1.20-5.24), whereas a high was associated with an increased risk for AKI stage 3 (aOR 2.46, 95% CI 1.28-4.75). Early AKI is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality and unfavorable neurologic recovery in cardiac arrest survivors. Postarrest is an independent predictor of the development and severity of AKI following ROSC, regardless of baseline kidney function.

Acute kidney injury in neonatal intensive care unit and the significance of nRIFLE criteria on diagnosis and prognosis

Objectives: The objective of this study is to identify factors that affect the severity of acute kidney injury (AKI) using neonatal RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of function, End-stage kidney disease) criteria; to identify the impact of these criteria and the factors on mortality rates and to determine the one-year clinical outcome. Methods: Five hundred and thirty-two inpatients who were admitted to Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) between 2006 and 2016 have been examined retrospectively. Results: Acute kidney injury developed in the first month of life in 85 (16%) patients. Thirty-nine (7.35%) of the cases were term and 46 (8.65%) were preterm. Among these patients, 33 (38.8%) were in the risk group, 18 (21%) in the injury group, and 34 (40%) in the failure group. Metabolic acidosis and edema were the most commonly seen findings as acute kidney injury scores increased. According to the neonatal RIFLE (nRIFLE) criteria, the severity of AKI was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with metabolic acidosis (71%) and edema (50.5%). There was a positive correlation between urinary output and pH, bicarbonate, glomerular filtration rate, and sodium values in patients with AKI, while a negative correlation between urinary output and BUN, creatinine, potassium, phosphorus, and uric acid was found. Regarding the nRIFLE criteria, the frequency of hyponatremia and hyperpotassemia was increased as the AKI severity score was increasing (p < 0.05). The mortality rate was 54% in the newborn period and factors that significantly affect mortality were the need for mechanical ventilation, sepsis, nephrotoxicity, and acidosis (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The nRIFLE criteria based on urinary output is a guide for clinicians to diagnose AKI. There is a need to work on new markers in future studies.

Serum CIRP increases the risk of acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent perioperative complication. The underlying mechanisms of cardiac surgery-associated AKI are still not completely elucidated. Cold-induced RNA-binding protein (CIRP) has been subsequently found to be regulated by various stress conditions. During cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), the host is subjected to hypothermia and inadequate organ perfusion, resulting in an upregulation of CIRP secretion. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of elevated extracellular CIRP level as a contributing factor in the development of AKI. A total of 292 patients who underwent cardiac surgery were retrospectively enrolled and their serum samples were collected preoperative and postoperative. Demographic data, intraoperative data, in-hospital outcomes, and the occurrence of AKI were also collected for the patients. The correlation between CIRP and intraoperative procedures, as well as its association with postoperative outcomes were analyzed. In multivariable analysis, higher ΔCIRP (p = 0.036) and body mass index (p = 0.015) were independent risk factors for postoperative AKI. Meanwhile, patients with postoperative AKI exhibited lower survival rate in 2-year follow-up (p = 0.008). Compared to off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, patients who underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, valve surgery, aortic dissection and other surgery showed higher ΔCIRP, measuring 1,093, 666, 914 and 258 pg/mL, respectively (p < 0.001). The levels of ΔCIRP were significantly higher in patients who underwent CPB compared to those who did not (793.0 ± 648.7 vs. 149.5 ± 289.1 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between ΔCIRP levels and the duration of CPB (r = 0.502, p < 0.001). Patients with higher CIRP levels are at greater risk of postoperative AKI (OR: 1.67, p = 0.032), especially the stage 2-3 AKI (OR: 2.11, p = 0.037). CIRP secretion increases with prolonged CPB time after cardiac surgery, and CIRP secretion is positively correlated with the duration of CPB. Cardiac surgeries with CPB exhibited significantly higher levels of CIRP compared to non-CPB surgeries. Elevation of CIRP level is an independent risk factor for the incidence of AKI, especially the severe AKI, and were associated with adverse in-hospital outcomes.

Assessment of the renal angina index in patients hospitalized in a cardiac intensive care unit

The renal angina index (RAI) is a validated scoring tool for predicting acute kidney injury (AKI). We investigated the efficacy of the RAI in 2436 heterogeneous patients (mean age, 70 years) treated in cardiac intensive care units (CICUs). The RAI was calculated from creatinine and patient condition scores. AKI was diagnosed by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome criteria. The primary and secondary endpoints were the development of severe AKI and all-cause mortality, respectively. Four hundred thirty-three patients developed AKI, 87 of them severe. In multivariate analyses, the RAI was a significant independent predictor of severe AKI. During the 12-month follow-up period, 210 patients suffered all-cause death. Elevated RAI was independently associated with all-cause mortality, as was NT-proBNP (p < 0.001). The RAI is a potent predictor not only of severe AKI but also of adverse outcomes and substantially improved the 12-month risk stratification of patients hospitalized in CICUs.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of avasopasem manganese in age-associated, cisplatin-induced renal injury

PurposeCisplatin contributes to acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) that occurs with greater frequency and severity in older patients. Age-associated cisplatin sensitivity in human fibroblasts involves increased mitochondrial superoxide produced by older donor cells. Experimental designYoung and old C57BL/6 J murine models of cisplatin-induced AKI and CKD were treated with the SOD mimetic avasopasem manganese to investigate the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Adverse event reporting from a phase 2 and a phase 3 randomized clinical trial (NCT02508389 and NCT03689712) conducted in patients treated with cisplatin and AVA was determined to have established the incidence and severity of AKI. ResultsCisplatin-induced AKI and CKD occurred in all mice, however, was more pronounced in older mice. AVA reduced cisplatin-induced mortality, AKI, and CKD, in older animals. AVA also alleviated cisplatin-induced alterations in mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complex activities and NADPH Oxidase 4 (NOX4) and inhibited the increased levels of the inflammation markers, TNFα, IL1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1. Analysis of age-stratified subjects treated with cisplatin from clinical trials (NCT02508389, NCT03689712) also supported that the incidence of AKI increased with age and AVA reduced age-associated therapy-induced adverse events (AE), including hypomagnesemia, increased creatinine, and AKI. ConclusionsOlder mice and humans are more susceptible to cisplatin-induced kidney injury, and treatment with AVA mitigates age-associated damage. Mitochondrial ETC and NOX4 activities represent sources of superoxide production contributing to cisplatin-induced kidney injury, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production and endothelial dysfunction may also be increased by superoxide formation.

Assessing Discharge Communication and Follow-up of Acute Kidney Injury in British Columbia: A Retrospective Chart Review.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects up to 20% of hospitalizations and is associated with chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, increased mortality, and increased health care costs. Proper documentation of AKI in discharge summaries is critical for optimal monitoring and treatment of these patients once discharged. Currently, there is limited literature evaluating the quality of discharge communication after AKI. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and quality of documentation of episodes of AKI at a tertiary care center in British Columbia, Canada. This was a retrospective chart review study of adult patients who experienced AKI during hospital admission between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018. Laboratory data were used to identify all admissions to the cardiac and general medicine ward complicated by AKI defined by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. A random sample of 300 AKI admissions stratified by AKI severity (eg, stages 1, 2, and 3) were identified for chart review. Patients were excluded if they required ongoing renal replacement therapy after admission, had a history of kidney transplant, died during their admission, or did not have a discharge summary available. Discharge summaries were reviewed for documentation of the following: presence of AKI, severity of AKI, AKI status at discharge, practitioner and laboratory follow-up plans, and medication changes. A total of 1076 patients with 1237 AKI admissions were identified. Of the 300 patients selected for discharge summary review, 38 met exclusion criteria. In addition, AKI was documented in 140 (53%) discharge summaries and was more likely to be documented in more severe AKI: stage 1, 38%; stage 2, 51%; and stage 3, 75%. Of those with their AKI documented, 94 (67%) documented AKI severity, and 116 (83%) mentioned the AKI status or trajectory at the time of discharge. A total of 239 (91%) of discharge summaries mentioned a follow-up plan with a practitioner, but only 23 (10%) had documented follow-up with nephrology. Patients with their AKI documented were more likely to have nephrology follow-up than those without AKI documented (17% vs 1%). Regarding laboratory investigations, 92 (35%) of the summaries had documented recommendations. In summaries that included medications typically held during AKI, only about half made specific reference to those medications being held, adjusted, or documented a post-discharge plan for that medication. For those with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) listing, 64% of discharge summaries mentioned holding, and 9% mentioned a discharge plan. For those with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)/angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) listing, 38% mentioned holding these medications, and 46% mentioned a discharge plan. In summaries with diuretics listed, 35% mentioned holding, and 51% included a discharge plan. We found suboptimal quality and completeness of discharge reporting in patients hospitalized with AKI. This may contribute to inadequate follow-up and post-hospitalization care for this patient population. Strategies are required for increasing the presence and quality of AKI reporting in discharge summaries. Limitations include our definition of AKI based on lab criteria, which may have missed some of the injuries that met the criteria based on urine output. Another limitation is that our definition of AKI based on the highest and lowest creatinine during admission may have led to some overclassification. In addition, without outpatient laboratories, it is possible that we have not captured the true baseline creatinine in some patients.

Review of the limitations of current biomarkers in acute kidney injury clinical practices.

Acute kidney injury is a prevalent disease in hospitalized patients and is continuously increasing worldwide. Various efforts have been made to define and classify acute kidney injury to understand the progression of this disease. Furthermore, deviations from structure and kidney function and the current diagnostic guidelines are not adequately placed due to baseline serum creatinine values, which are rarely known and estimated based on glomerular function rate, resulting in misclassification of acute kidney injury staging. Hence, the current guidelines are still developing to improve and understand the clinical implications of risk factors and earlier predictive biomarkers of acute kidney injury. Yet, studies have indicated disadvantages and limitations with the current acute kidney injury biomarkers, including lack of sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, the present narrative review brings together the most current evidenced-based practice and literature associated with the limitations of the gold standard for acute kidney injury diagnoses, the need for novel acute kidney injury biomarkers, and the process for biomarkers to be qualified for diagnostic use under the following sections and themes. The introduction section situates the anatomy and normal and abnormal kidney functions related to acute kidney injury disorders. Guidelines in providing acute kidney injury definitions and classification are then considered, followed by a discussion of the disadvantages of standard markers used to diagnose acute kidney injury. Characteristics of an ideal acute kidney injury biomarker are discussed concerning sensitivity, specificity, and anatomic location of injury. A particular focus on the role and function of emerging biomarkers is discussed in relation to their applications and significance to the prognosis and severity of acute kidney injury. Findings show emerging markers are early indicators of acute kidney injury prediction in different clinical settings. Finally, the process required for a biomarker to be applied for diagnostic use is explained.

Plasma Biomarkers Associated to Outcome in Patients with Sars-Cov-2 Infection

Background: A serious consequence of respiratory infections with SARS-CoV-2 is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). The aim of this study was to evaluate some novel biomarkers measured in plasma for their associations with the outcome of this infection as to AKI and mortality. Methods: Four different HNL (Human Neutrophil Lipocalin) assays were constructed using different antibody configurations, reflecting both neutrophil and epithelial cell activities. TK-1 (Thymidine kinase-1) was measured as a sign of cell destruction and proliferation. For comparison the plasma concentrations of NGAL (Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin), the cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and IFN-γ and of cystatin C, and procalcitonin were also measured. One hundred and three patients with severe respiratory failure admitted to the ICU were sampled for blood at admittance and at day three (n=67) after admittance. Results: Sixty-five percent of the patients developed AKI. The performance of the HNL assay 763/8F was most closely associated to outcome as to AKI and mortality with Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve (AUC) of 0.87 and a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 88% in COVID-19 patients with and without severe AKI (p&lt;0.0001). TK-1 was significantly related to the development of AKI (p=0.01) and the three cytokines were related to mortality (p=0.004-p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The HNL variant 763/8F and TK-1 are novel biomarkers that might become useful and novel tools in the management of COVID-19 patients, but likely also in other patients affected by AKI.

Factors associated with carbon dioxide transfer in an experimental model of severe acute kidney injury and hypoventilation during high bicarbonate continuous renal replacement therapy and oxygenation membrane support.

To investigate the factors influencing carbon dioxide transfer in a system that integrates an oxygenation membrane in series with high-bicarbonate continuous veno-venous hemodialysis in hypercapnic animals. In an experimental setting, we induced severe acute kidney injury and hypercapnia in five female Landrace pigs. Subsequently, we initiated high (40mEq/L) bicarbonate continuous veno-venous hemodialysis with an oxygenation membrane in series to maintain a pH above 7.25. At intervals of 1 hour, 6 hours, and 12 hours following the initiation of continuous veno-venous hemodialysis, we performed standardized sweep gas flow titration to quantify carbon dioxide transfer. We evaluated factors associated with carbon dioxide transfer through the membrane lung with a mixed linear model. A total of 20 sweep gas flow titration procedures were conducted, yielding 84 measurements of carbon dioxide transfer. Multivariate analysis revealed associations among the following (coefficients ± standard errors): core temperature (+7.8 ± 1.6 °C, p < 0.001), premembrane partial pressure of carbon dioxide (+0.2 ± 0.1/mmHg, p < 0.001), hemoglobin level (+3.5 ± 0.6/g/dL, p < 0.001), sweep gas flow (+6.2 ± 0.2/L/minute, p < 0.001), and arterial oxygen saturation (-0.5 ± 0.2%, p = 0.019). Among these variables, and within the physiological ranges evaluated, sweep gas flow was the primary modifiable factor influencing the efficacy of low-blood-flow carbon dioxide removal. Sweep gas flow is the main carbon dioxide removal-related variable during continuous veno-venous hemodialysis with a high bicarbonate level coupled with an oxygenator. Other carbon dioxide transfer modulating variables included the hemoglobin level, arterial oxygen saturation, partial pressure of carbon dioxide and core temperature. These results should be interpreted as exploratory to inform other well-designed experimental or clinical studies.

Anthropometric and burn characteristics that influence the severity of late acute kidney injury of major burn patients

Anthropometric and burn characteristics that influence the severity of late acute kidney injury of major burn patients

VX-702 Ameliorates the Severity of Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury by Downregulating Inflammatory Factors in Macrophages.

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI) contributes to high mortality, but it is lack of specific treatments. We aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of S-AKI and to identify target drugs to alleviate AKI. We establish a stable mouse model of S-AKI by Pseudomonas aeruginosa incision infection. Based on high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, we investigated the underlying mechanism and selected the target drug (VX-702) for S-AKI. An in vitro model established by co-cultured of kidney tubular epithelial cell line (TCMK-1) cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced leukemic monocyte/macrophage cells (RAW264.7), we explored the effect of VX-702 on S-AKI. The data showed interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β were the hub genes, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was the main pathway involved in S-AKI. Administration of VX-702 by oral gavage decreased the elevated concentrations of IL-6, IL-1β, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen in mice with S-AKI. Moreover, VX-702 reduced the number of apoptotic cells in damaged kidney tissues. Cell viability was decreased, and the number of apoptotic cells was increased in TCMK-1 cells co-cultured with LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells compared to LPS-induced TCMK-1 cells. VX-702 treatment reversed this effect. VX-702 treatment reduced the levels of phosphorylated p38 MAPK and proinflammatory cytokines in RAW264.7 cells and the supernatant. VX-702 could bind IL-6, IL-1β and MAPK, and affect the binding of IL-1β and its receptor, as demonstrated by molecular docking. VX-702 ameliorated S-AKI by inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokines from macrophages, indicating its potential as a novel therapeutic for S-AKI treatment.

Exploring the Cost-Utility of a Biomarker Predicting Persistent Severe Acute Kidney Injury: The Case of C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 14 (CCL14).

Approximately 24% of hospitalized stage 2-3 acute kidney injury (AKI) patients will develop persistent severe AKI (PS-AKI), defined as KDIGO stage 3 AKI lasting ≥3 days or with death in ≤3 days or stage 2 or 3 AKI with dialysis in ≤3 days, leading to worse outcomes and higher costs. There is currently no consensus on an intervention that effectively reverts the course of AKI and prevents PS-AKI in the population with stage 2-3 AKI. This study explores the cost-utility of biomarkers predicting PS-AKI, under the assumption that such intervention exists by comparing C-C motif chemokine ligand 14 (CCL14) to hospital standard of care (SOC) alone. The analysis combined a 90-day decision tree using CCL14 operating characteristics to predict PS-AKI and clinical outcomes in 66-year-old patients, and a Markov cohort estimating lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Cost and QALYs from admission, 30-day readmission, intensive care, dialysis, and death were compared. Clinical and cost inputs were informed by a large retrospective cohort of US hospitals in the PINC AI Healthcare Database. Inputs and assumptions were challenged in deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Two-way analyses were used to explore the efficacy and costs of an intervention preventing PS-AKI. Depending on selected costs and early intervention efficacy, CCL14-directed care led to lower costs and more QALYs (dominating) or was cost-effective at the $50,000/QALY threshold. Assuming the intervention would avoid 10% of PS-AKI complications in AKI stage 2-3 patients identified as true positive resulted in 0.066 additional QALYs and $486 reduced costs. Results were robust to substantial parameter variation. The analysis suggests that in the presence of an efficacious intervention preventing PS-AKI, identifying people at risk using CCL14 in addition to SOC is likely to represent a cost-effective use of resources.

Development of a Model of Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis Using Transient Unilateral Renal Ischemia and Delayed Contralateral Nephrectomy in Domesticated Cats.

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a classic histologic feature of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats and a final common pathway toward end-stage renal disease. Domesticated cats have been used in models of ischemia-induced renal fibrosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of 2 variations of a transient unilateral renal ischemia and delayed contralateral nephrectomy model of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in cats. Purpose-bred, young adult, domesticated cats underwent 90 min of surgically induced ischemia to the right kidney followed by delayed contralateral nephrectomy performed 21 d (RI-CN21d group; n = 10) or 90 d postischemia (RI-CN90d group; n = 12). Control cats underwent sham surgery followed by left nephrectomy 21 d after (sham-CN group; n = 3). Renal functional parameters, including glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine concentration, were evaluated before and after surgeries. The right kidneys were harvested 120 d postischemia/ sham. Renal histology with lesion scoring and histomorphometry for quantification of smooth muscle actin immunolabeling and collagen staining were performed on harvested kidneys. Severe acute kidney injury prompted euthanasia after left nephrectomy in 5/10 (50.0%), 2/12 (16.7%), and 0/3 (0%) of cats in the RI-CN21d, RI-CN90d, and sham-CN groups, respectively. A significant decrease in glomerular filtration rate by day 120, relative to baseline, occurred in cats in the RI-CN21d group (P < 0.001) and RI-CN90d group (P < 0.001) but not the sham-CN group (P = 0.76). All but one cat in the ischemia groups were azotemic at the study end. Kidneys subjected to ischemia had higher interstitial inflammation, tubular atrophy, and fibrosis scores compared with sham-operated kidneys. There were significant increases in smooth muscle actin immunolabeling and collagen staining in these kidneys, relative to the contralateral kidneys. In summary, 90 min of unilateral renal ischemia and delayed contralateral nephrectomy induced histologic and biochemical changes consistent with CKD in cats. A 90-d period between ischemia and nephrectomy resulted in improved survivability of the model.

Acute Kidney Injury in Methotrexate treated Leukemia

Background: The study was performed to know the incidence of acute kidney injury within 48 hours following High dose Methotrexate administration in children with high-risk B cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia along with its risk factors and toxicities. Most studies have been conducted in adults and have included non-Hodgkin lymphoma along with leukemia. There is a paucity of data regarding the burden of Acute kidney injury with Methotrexate use in the pediatric age group with B cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Methods: It was a prospective observational study conducted at the pediatric ward of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi between 2019 September to 2021 June. Children between 1 to 18 years with high-risk B lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia planned for high-dose Methotrexate at 3gm/m² were enrolled. The measurement of serum creatinine was done at baseline, 24 and 42 hours while serum methotrexate at 24 and 42 hours, adverse reactions were assessed till day 14 of methotrexate administration. Results: The incidence of Acute Kidney Injury and severe Acute Kidney Injury (stages 2 and 3) at 42 hours of High dose Methotrexate infusion was 24.3% and 12.8% respectively. Low serum albumin was associated with an increased risk of Acute Kidney Injury (p=0.004). Transaminitis and thrombocytopenia were common toxicities. Conclusions: Acute Kidney Injury is common following High dose Methotrexate administration in B cell Acute Leukemic Leukemia. Low serum albumin level increases renal toxicity following methotrexate infusion. The measures to prevent renal toxicity should be instituted promptly in high-risk groups.

Incidence Of Acute Kidney Injury In Mild, Moderate And Severe Cases Of Coronavirus Disease

Objective: The purpose of this research was to determine the incidence of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in COVID-19-affected patients Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Ziauddin Hospital Clifton Campus from June to December 2020. Adult patients with AKI or acute-on-chronic kidney disease (ACKD) were included in a retrospective study. Patients infected with SARS-CoV2 and renal involvement were directed towards the ICU/Nephrology departments which have the expertise to perform laboratory analysis, radiography and institution of treatment. Supplemental oxygen use was documented. The research also assessed information about therapy (antivirals, immunomodulators, RRT) and results (renal function recovery or death). Results: After excluding patients with obstructive AKI, a total of 180 (mean age 50.1 years) of 104 males and 76 females were included in the research. 120 patients were found to have prerenal, and 60 had intrinsic AKI with significant differences between mild, moderate, and severe cases (p=0.004). Acute kidney injury (AKI) survivors had a complete recovery rate of 70%, a partial recovery rate of 22%, and a hemodialysis dependency rate of 8%. Conclusion: Patients with severe COVID-19 infection often develop more severe AKI, and those in the severe or critical stages often exhibit proteinuria and dipstick hematuria. Long-term follow-up for COVID-19 patients should be done to evaluate its influence on renal outcome, and larger samples are required to elucidate the association between COVID-19 and renal damage. Keywords: Coronavirus Disease, Renal Replacement Therapy, proteinuria, dipstick hematuria

Prospective Study of Ultrasound Markers of Organ Congestion in Critically Ill Patients With Acute Kidney Injury

Organ congestion may be a mediator of adverse outcomes in critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI). The presence of abnormal venous Doppler waveforms could identify patients with clinically significant organ congestion who may benefit from a decongestive strategy. This prospective multicenter cohort study enrolled patients with severe AKI defined as Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes stage 2 or higher. Patients were not eligible if they received renal replacement therapy (RRT) for more than 72 hours at the time of screening. Participants underwent serial Doppler ultrasound examinations of the portal, hepatic and intrarenal veins during the week following enrolment. We calculated the venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) score based on these data. The primary outcome studied was major adverse kidney events at 30 days (MAKE30) defined as death, RRT dependence, or a persistent decrease in kidney function. A total of 125 patients were included for whom 291 ultrasound assessments were performed. Severely abnormal venous waveforms were documented in 14.4% of portal vein assessments, 6.5% of intrarenal venous assessments, and 14.4% of hepatic vein assessments. The individual ultrasound markers were not associated with MAKE30. The VExUS score (grade 0-1: reference; grade 2: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 4.03, confidence interval [CI]: 1.81-8.99; grade 3: aHR: 2.70, CI: 1.10-6.65; P= 0.03), as well as severely abnormal portal, hepatic and intrarenal vein Doppler were each independently associated with mortality. Although not significantly associated with MAKE30, venous Doppler abnormalities suggestive of venous congestion were associated with higher mortality in critically ill patients with severe AKI.

Severe acute kidney injury related to haemolysis after pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has been proposed as a novel alternative to radiofrequency (RF) and cryoablation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Following the occurrence of two cases of acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to haemolysis after a PFA procedure, we evaluated haemolysis in a cohort of consecutive patients. Two cases of AKI occurred in last May and June 2023. AKI was secondary to acute and severe haemolysis after a PFA procedure. From June 2023, a total of 68 consecutive patients (64.3 ± 10.5 years) undergoing AF ablation with PFA were enrolled in the study. All patients had a blood sample the day after the procedure for the assessment of haemolysis indicators. The pentaspline PFA catheter was used with a total number of median applications of 64 (54; 76). Nineteen patients (28%) showed significantly depleted haptoglobin levels (<0.04 g/L). A significant inverse correlation was found between the plasma level of haptoglobin and the total number of applications. Two groups were compared: the haemolysis+ group (haptoglobin < 0.04 g/L) vs. the haemolysis- group. The total number of applications was significantly higher in the haemolysis+ group vs the haemolysis - group respectively 75 (62; 127) vs 62 (54; 71) P = 0.011. More than 70 applications seem to have better sensitivity and specificity to predict haemolysis. Intravascular haemolysis can occur after certain procedures of PFA. Acute kidney injury is a phenomenon that appears to be very rare after a PFA procedure. However, caution must be exercised in the number of applications to avoid severe haemolysis.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in evaluating the severity of acute kidney injury: An animal experimental study.

Early assessment of the severity of acute kidney injury (AKI) is critical to the prognosis of patients. Renal microcirculation hemodynamic changes and inflammatory response are the essential links of AKI induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). This study aims to explore the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) based on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) targeted microbubbles (TM) in evaluating the renal microcirculation hemodynamics and inflammatory response of different severity of AKI. Eighteen male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6): sham operation (sham) group, mild IRI-AKI (m-AKI) group, and severe IRI-AKI (s-AKI) group. CEUS based on VCAM-1 TM was used to evaluate renal microcirculation perfusion and inflammatory response. Pearson's correlation was used to analyze the correlation between ultrasonic variables and pro-inflammatory factors. Compared with the sham group, AUC in m-AKI and s-AKI groups was significantly decreased, and s-AKI group was lower than m-AKI group (P < 0.05). NID of m-AKI and s-AKI groups was significantly higher than that of the sham group, and s-AKI group was higher than that of m-AKI group (P < 0.05). There was a linear positive correlation between NID and VCAM-1 protein expression (r = 0.7384, P < 0.05). NID and AUC were correlated with TNF-α and IL-6 levels (P < 0.05). Compared with early AKI biomarkers, CEUS based on VCAM-1 TM has higher sensitivity in evaluating the severity of AKI. CEUS based on VCAM-1 TM can evaluate renal microcirculation perfusion and inflammatory response in mild and severe AKI, which may provide helpful information for assessing the severity of AKI.