Management Of Acute Kidney Injury Research Articles

Association between amoxicillin administration and outcomes in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury

PurposeThis study assessed the effect of amoxicillin on outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), focusing on mortality rates and acute kidney disease (AKD) occurrence.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort analysis utilizing data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. The study included intensive care unit patients diagnosed with AKI to assess the effects of post-admission amoxicillin administration on 30-day and 90-day mortality rates and acute kidney disease incidence. We employed Cox proportional hazards models, propensity score matching, and inverse probability of treatment weighting to control for potential confounders.ResultsAmong 24,650 AKI patients, 676 (2.7%) received amoxicillin. The results indicated significantly lower mortality rates at 30 days (hazard ratio [HR] 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42–0.69) and 90 days (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.52–0.77) in the amoxicillin group compared to non-recipients. Additionally, amoxicillin administration was associated with a reduced incidence of AKD (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.36–0.65) but resulted in a modestly increased length of hospital stay (mean difference [MD] 1.95 days, 95% CI 1.15–2.75). A dose‒response relationship was evident, with higher doses (>875 mg) further decreasing mortality rates. Subgroup analysis revealed consistent benefits across most patient groups.ConclusionAmoxicillin administration following ICU admission in patients with AKI was associated with improved survival rates and a lower incidence of AKD, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic measure for AKI management.

Value of Urinary NGAL for Predicting Acute Kidney Injury Secondary to Decompensated Cirrhosis

Abstract Background Physicians caring for patients with cirrhosis should recognize the acute or chronic character of renal disease; the causes of renal injury; the clinical conditions leading concomitantly to acute kidney injury (AKI) and liver dysfunction, and the prognostic factors associated with the progression of AKI. Hypovolemia (due to diuretics, hemorrhage, diarrhea), acute tubular necrosis, sepsis, nephrotoxic agents (such as non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aminoglycosides radiological contrasts) and hepatorenal syndrome-type 1 are the most common causes of AKI in cirrhotic patients. Aim of the Work The aim of this study was to evaluate urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (uNGAL) as a diagnostic biomarker for different causes of acute kidney injury in liver cirrhosis. Patients and Methods This was a cross sectional study done in patients with liver cirrhosis hospitalized at the Gastroenterology Department of the Ain shams university hospital. Results We found that in the comparison between HRS and AKI regarding HB, WBCs, Platelets, ALT, AST, Albumin, INR, Bilirubin, Urea, Creatinine, Na, Urinary Cr, Urinary Na and FeNa%, there was highly statistically significant difference found between two groups regarding Urinary Na and Fe Na%, Platelets, AST, Bilirubin and Na, and there was no statistically significant difference found between two groups regarding HB, WBCs, ALT, Albumin, INR, Urea, Creatinine and Urinary Cr. While in the Correlation between NGAL With Age, HB, WBCs, Platelets, ALT, AST, Albumin, INR, Bilirubin, Urea, Creatinine, Na, Urinary Cr, Urinary Na and FeNa%, we found that there was Non statically significant correlation Between NGAL, Age, HB, WBCs, Platelets, ALT, Albumin, INR, Bilirubin, Urea, Creatinine, Na and Urinary Cr, and there was statically significant Negative correlation Between NGAL, Urinary Na and FeNa%, and there was statically significant positive correlation Between NGAL and AST. Conclusion It is well known that development of acute kidney injury (AKI) increases mortality in hospitalized cirrhotic patients; therefore many novel markers have been studied for early detection, differential diagnosis and prognosis in cirrhotic patients with AKI. NGAL is a newly identified member of the lipocalin family that is signifcantly expressed in injured epithelial cells. It can lead to rapid increases in NGAL secretion from glomeruli, thus increasing NGAL concentrations in the urine. In addition, its concentration often increases within 2 h of kidney injury. Urinary NGAL has the ability to differentiate between AKI types in patients with cirrhosis. This could improve risk stratification for patients admitted to the hospital with cirrhosis, perhaps leading to early ICU admission, transplant evaluation, and prompt initiation of HRS therapy and early management of AKI. These findings, if confirmed in larger cohorts, could lead to the development of biomarker algorithms to rapidly identify patients with HRS and ATN and accurately predict prognosis.

Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease: A Review

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication of chronic liver disease (CLD) contributing to high morbidity and mortality worldwide. While liver transplantation (LT) has shown favorable outcomes, early identification and management of AKI is imperative for survival. This review aims to highlight the epidemiology, pathophysiology, management, and prognosis of AKI in CLD. Methods: An extensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar to identify literature related to epidemiology, burden, clinical presentations, prognosis, and management of AKI in CLD. Results: The identified studies highlighted a wide range of prevalence of AKI in hospitalized patients with CLD. The etiology and pathophysiology are multifactorial and include prerenal AKI, acute tubular injury, sepsis, gastrointestinal bleeding, bacterial translocation from the gut, and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). AKI is associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality and progression to chronic kidney disease following LT. Management of AKI in CLD varies based on the underlying etiology. While vasoconstrictors like terlipressin have shown great potential in the treatment of HRS-AKI and is widely used in Europe and United States, LT remains the definitive therapy of choice. In most cases, kidney replacement therapy serves as a bridge to liver transplant. Conclusion: AKI is a serious complication of CLD and early identification is essential. Diagnosis and management, particularly HRS is challenging and requires a high index of suspicion. More research is required to identify novel therapies to improve outcomes of AKI in patients with CLD.

Point-of-care ultrasonography in acute kidney injury

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is emerging as a valuable tool in nephrology, providing real-time insights into the etiology of acute kidney injury (AKI). This narrative review explores POCUS applications in AKI, emphasizing its role in diagnostic kidney ultrasound and comprehensive hemodynamic assessments. AKI, prevalent in hospitalized patients, poses significant morbidity and mortality risks. POCUS aids in unraveling AKI’s multifaceted origins, categorizing it into hemodynamic, obstructive, and intrinsic renal causes. We discuss the utility of POCUS in urinary obstruction by identifying hydronephrosis and detecting stones and providing prompt diagnostic assistance. In intrinsic AKI, POCUS has limited utility but can potentially differentiate between acute and chronic kidney disease and identify infectious complications. POCUS-assisted hemodynamic AKI assessment involves thorough evaluation of the cardiac, lung, and end organ venous congestion. As technology advances, the role of POCUS in the diagnosis and management of AKI is likely to increase, offering a portable, cost-effective, and radiation-free bedside diagnostic modality. This also has the potential to improve patient outcomes. However, proper training in techniques of POCUS and an understanding of the limitations of POCUS are essential elements in ensuring its optimal and appropriate use in the right clinical context.

An Integrative Risk Assessment Approach to Enhancing Patient Safety in Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) serves as an intervention strategy for the management of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients. However, owing to its complex nature and the potential for complications, the implementation of CRRT demands continuous monitoring to prevent patient safety risks. This study aims to identify and validate prevalent risks linked to CRRT within a real-world clinical setting, intending to propose preventive measures grounded in expert insights. To systematically categorize and visually depict the risks, their consequences, preventive measures, and recovery controls, our study employed the Bowtie method in conjunction with the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model. In addition to considering patient-related factors that exhibit variability among critically ill individuals, our key findings showed that the most influential risks impacting the effective delivery of CRRT are incidents of clotted filters, bleeding risks arising from the necessity of anticoagulation for filter efficacy, vascular catheter-related bloodstream infections, variations in proficiency levels among healthcare professionals regarding CRRT modalities, especially in operating the CRRT machines, high nursing workload, frequent nursing turnover, occurrences of hypophosphatemia, variability in CRRT prescribing patterns, and issues related to communication among stakeholders. This research sheds light on the primary risks associated with CRRT and provides practical and viable strategies for effective management. Furthermore, the Bowtie diagram developed as part of this study serves as a valuable tool for visually representing the healthcare system and facilitating the identification of system-related risks within healthcare settings.

Reframing acute kidney injury as a pathophysiological continuum of disrupted renal excretory function.

Surrogate measures of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) continue to serve as pivotal determinants of the incidence, severity, and management of acute kidney injury (AKI), as well as the primary reference point underpinning knowledge of its pathophysiology. However, several clinically important deficits in aspects of renal excretory function during AKI other than GFR decline, including acid-base regulation, electrolyte and water balance, and urinary concentrating capacity, can evade detection when diagnostic criteria are built around purely GFR-based assessments. The use of putative markers of tubular injury to detect "sub-clinical" AKI has been proposed to expand the definition and diagnostic criteria for AKI, but their diagnostic performance is curtailed by ambiguity with respect to their biological meaning and context specificity. Efforts to devise new holistic assessments of overall renal functional compromise in AKI would foster the capacity to better personalize patient care by replacing biomarker threshold-based diagnostic criteria with a shift to assessment of compromise along a pathophysiological continuum. The term AKI refers to a syndrome of sudden renal deterioration, the severity of which is classified by precise diagnostic criteria that have unquestionable utility in patient management as well as blatant limitations. Particularly, the absence of an explicit pathophysiological definition of AKI curtails further scientific development and clinical handling, entrapping the field within its present narrow GFR-based view. A refreshed approach based on a more holistic consideration of renal functional impairment in AKI as the basis for a new diagnostic concept that reaches beyond the boundaries imposed by the current GFR threshold-based classification of AKI, capturing broader aspects of pathogenesis, could enhance AKI prevention strategies and improve AKI patient outcome and prognosis.

Diagnostic efficacy of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1 for early detection of acute kidney injury in dogs with leptospirosis or babesiosis.

This study evaluates the diagnostic efficacy of urinary biomarkers, Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (uNGAL), and Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (uKIM-1), in identifying Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in dogs affected with leptospirosis or babesiosis. Acute kidney injury was diagnosed based on the increase in serum creatinine levels above 0.3mg/dL within 48h and dogs were categorized according to AKI grades based on International Renal Interest Society guidelines. Traditional biomarkers (serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen) and novel biomarkers like urinary NGAL and urinary KIM-1 levels were measured and compared to concentrations obtained in control dogs. Statistical analysis assessed significant differences (P < 0.01) across AKI grades, specifically noting elevated urinary NGAL and KIM-1 in IRIS grade I AKI (P < 0.001). The study highlights the diagnostic significance of urinary NGAL and KIM-1 as early indicators of renal damage, particularly valuable in non-azotemic AKI cases, offering promising markers for early AKI diagnosis in veterinary clinical settings. These biomarkers demonstrate clinical utility and underscore their potential for improving AKI management in veterinary medicine. Further validation studies involving larger cohorts and diverse etiologies of AKI are needed to confirm the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of urinary NGAL and KIM-1 in veterinary practice.

#2379 Acute kidney injury as a key predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events in chronic kidney disease patients

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly raises cardiovascular event risks. The influence of acute-on-chronic kidney incidents is less understood. This study examines the link between acute kidney injury (AKI) episodes and subsequent Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) in CKD patients. Method From 2013 to 2016, the CKD-REIN cohort enrolled 3033 adults with CKD stages 3-5 (average age 67; 66% male; mean eGFR 33 mL/min/1.73m²) from 40 French outpatient nephrology clinics, reflecting national geographic and legal diversity. During a 5-year follow-up, all AKI episodes, whether inpatient or outpatient, were identified, confirmed, and categorized per KDIGO-AKI standards by an expert panel. Cardiovascular events were evaluated using clinical trial Cardiovascular and Stroke Endpoint Definitions. MACE cumulative incidences (myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure hospitalization, cardiovascular death) post-AKI were calculated using Aalen-Johansen methods, accounting for kidney failure and death risks. The impact of the first AKI episode on MACE risk was analyzed using a multivariable Cox model, treating AKI as a time-variable and stratifying by characteristics (in/outpatient status, AKI stage, pre-renal causes, renal recovery at discharge). Factors like demographics, cardiovascular risks, CKD severity, and treatments were considered. Interaction and sensitivity analyses were performed, excluding those with prior AKI or cardiovascular disease. Results During a median follow-up of 5.2 years, 530 patients experienced an incident AKI episode. The cumulative incidence of MACE at 1 year following this initial episode of AKI was 8.1% [95% confidence interval, 6.1; 10.8], with a median time to occurrence of 6.7 months after AKI. After adjustment for multiple confounders, we observed a substantial increased hazard of MACE associated with a first episode of AKI (HR = 5.99 [4.63; 7.76], p &amp;lt; 0.001), and this association remained significant for each MACE component (Fig. 1A). A dose-response relationship was observed, with higher risks in more severe AKI cases (KDIGO grades 2-3) and among hospitalized versus non-hospitalized patients (Fig. 1B). This association was also observed across all subgroups, without any interaction with age, sex, nor major comorbidities (diabetes, history of AKI, or cardiovascular events), as well as in various sensitivity analyses. Overall, we estimated an attributable risk fraction of 18.1% [13.6; 22.4] for MACE associated with AKI episodes within this population. Conclusion Our study highlights a strong dose-response relationship between incident AKI events and the risk of subsequent major cardiovascular events in CKD patients. These findings suggest that AKI may not only be a marker of increased cardiovascular risk but also a potential mediator of this risk. From a clinical perspective, these results underscore the importance of close monitoring and management of AKI in CKD patients to reduce the risk of MACE. This study improves our understanding of the interplay between renal and cardiovascular health, emphasizing the need for integrated care approaches in this high-risk population.

#3089 Radiological assessment of suspected acute pyelonephritis in the management of urosepsis and prevention of acute kidney injury

Abstract Background and Aims Sepsis, a serious complication of infection, may result in organ dysfunction and is responsible for almost 20% of global deaths. Identification of acute pyelonephritis (pyelo), requires early clinical assessment, diagnostics and antimicrobial therapy to prevent septic shock and potential death. In 2022, the American College of Radiology (ACR) published a revised appropriateness criteria for radiological imaging in suspected acute pyelo (1). Five variant [V] categories were defined according to presence of pregnancy, stone disease, renal transplantation, complicated (i.e. recurrent pyelo, DM, immunosuppression) and uncomplicated (first) presentation. The aim of this project was to establish the proportion of patients with suspected acute pyelonephritis undergoing radiological assessment, the selected modality and radiological findings, which could contribute to the diagnosis and management. Method This observational retrospective study of 55 cases with suspected acute pyelo over 6 months. Patients who were decanted to nephrology specialist care from the acute medical take were assessed. Patients were grouped into 5 categories [Variant 1-5] as per appropriateness criteria of the ACR (Table 1a). Patient demographics, renal function and signs of sepsis were recorded. The proportion undergoing radiological assessment, the modality and outcomes are outlined in Table 1. Results Demographically, 66% of patients were female, the median age was 49 years [IQR 30] and 93.6% were Caucasian. Pre-admission baseline Creatinine (Cr) was 75 µmol/l [IQR 75]. Admission Cr was 85 µmol/l [IQR 74}, with peak inpatient Cr 94 µmol/l. Sepsis parameters (hypotensive/ tachycardia/ high CRP) on admission were observed in 38% of patients. Modality Choice 92.7% of study participants received imaging over the course of their inpatient stay. The primary modality of choice was CTKUB (36.4%), with 25.5% of patients receiving targeted ultrasound. In the setting of uncomplicated acute pyelo (V1), CTKUB was the most common diagnostic modality. Patients with a history of renal calculi (V3) were imaged equally with CTKUB and targeted ultrasound (42.9% CTKUB vs. 42.9% USS). Patients with a history of renal transplant with a native kidney in-situ were most commonly investigated with targeted ultrasound to assess for acute pyelo 92.3%. Imaging Results 52.7% of imaging had positive findings. Most frequently recorded was pyelo (23.6%), renal/ureteric calculi (16.4%) and hydronephrosis (12.7%). In presumed uncomplicated acute pyelo (Variant 1), 29% of patients had radiological evidence of pyelo. 22.2% had newly diagnosed renal/ ureteric calculus. 11.1% had hydronephrosis. One patient had both stones and hydronephrosis. In known stone disease, two presented with hydronephrosis [V3]. Two transplant cases had hydronephrosis [V5]. Conclusion Early detection of pyelonephritis and its underlying aetiology is imperative in the management of urosepsis. Results suggest 22.2% had newly diagnosed renal/ ureteric calculus in those not known to have renal disease [V1]. In total 12% had hydronephrosis, and nearly a quarter had pyelo visible on imaging. No abscesses were observed which guided duration of antibiotic therapy. Early intervention including anti-microbial therapy and management of acute kidney injury were guided by imaging outcomes. Access to specialist services and early imaging is crucial in successful outcomes in urosepsis.

The renoprotective effect of Tibolone in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury.

Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a major challenge in intensive care, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. Tibolone, known for its neuroprotective and hormonal properties, has not been explored for its potential in AKI management. This study investigates the protective effects of Tibolone and its underlying mechanisms involving Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) and Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) in a rat sepsis model. Thirty-six female Wistar albino rats underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce sepsis. They were randomly assigned to control, CLP+Saline, and CLP+Tibolone groups. Tibolone was administered intraperitoneally. Biomarkers, including Sirtuin (SIRT1), Yes-associated protein (YAP), Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), malondialdehyde (MDA), creatinine, and urea, were assessed. Histopathological examination evaluated renal damage. Tibolone administration significantly reduced plasma TNF-α, HMGB1, MDA, creatinine, and urea levels compared to the CLP+Saline group. Moreover, Tibolone elevated SIRT1 and YAP levels in kidney tissues. Histopathological examination demonstrated a significant decrease in tubular epithelial necrosis, luminal debris, dilatation, hemorrhage, and interstitial inflammation in Tibolone-treated rats. This study unveils the protective role of Tibolone against sepsis-induced AKI in rats. The improvements in inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers and histological evidence suggest Tibolone's potential as a therapeutic intervention in sepsis-associated kidney injury. The upregulation of SIRT1 and YAP indicates their involvement in Tibolone's renoprotective mechanisms. Further investigations are warranted to explore Tibolone's translational potential in human sepsis-induced AKI.

Dexmedetomidine attenuates ferroptosis by Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in LPS-induced acute kidney injury

Dexmedetomidine attenuates ferroptosis by Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in LPS-induced acute kidney injury

Clinical Characteristics and the Prognostic Impact of Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients with Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective, Single-Center Study

Introduction: The incidence and impact of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are unknown. Methods: This retrospective study included 140 patients who were diagnosed with IPA and admitted to the medical ICU of China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing, China. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines. Data on demographic characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory tests, treatments, and prognosis at ICU admission were collected. Results: The rate of AKI was 71.4% (n = 100), and approximately 30% of the patients had preadmission acute kidney dysfunction. Of the 100 patients with AKI, 19, 8, and 73 patients had stage I, II, and III AKI, respectively, and 64 (87.6%) patients required continuous renal replacement therapy. Overall ICU mortality rate was 52.1%. Irreversible AKI was a strong independent risk factor for ICU mortality (odds ratio 13.36, 95% confidence interval 4.52–39.48, p < 0.001), followed by chronic lung disease, use of intermittent positive-pressure ventilation, and long-term corticosteroid treatment within 1 year prior to ICU admission. Higher cardiac troponin I levels at admission and worse volume control during the first 7 days of ICU stay were potential predictive factors of irreversible kidney dysfunction. Patients with irreversible AKI and those who died during the ICU stay had greater volume overload during the first 14 days of ICU stay. Patients who survived received earlier renal replacement therapy support after ICU admission compared to those who died (median, 2 vs. 5 days; p = 0.026). Conclusion: Compared to the patients with IPA in the absence of AKI, those with AKI presented with more volume overload, worse disease burden, and required stronger respiratory support, while experiencing worse prognosis. Irreversible AKI was a strong predictor of mortality in patients with critical IPA. Better volume control and earlier CRRT initiation should be considered key points in AKI management and prognostic improvement.

Using machine learning methods and leveraging electronic health records for acute kidney injury detection and management

Using machine learning methods and leveraging electronic health records for acute kidney injury detection and management

Unlocking renal Restoration: Mesaconine from Aconitum plants restore mitochondrial function to halt cell apoptosis in acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by a sudden decline in renal function. Traditional Chinese medicine has employed Fuzi for kidney diseases; however, concerns about neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity have constrained its clinical use. This study explored mesaconine, derived from processed Fuzi, as a promising low-toxicity alternative for AKI treatment. In this study, we assessed the protective effects of mesaconine in gentamicin (GM)-induced NRK-52E cells and AKI rat models in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Mesaconine promotes the proliferation of damaged NRK-52E cells and down-regulates intracellular transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) to promote renal cell repair. Concurrently, mesaconine restored mitochondrial morphology and permeability transition pores, reversed the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, mitigated mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased ATP production, inhibited inflammatory factor release, and reduced early apoptosis rates. In vivo, GM-induced AKI rat models exhibited elevated AKI biomarkers, in which mesaconine was effectively reduced, indicating improved renal function. Mesaconine enhanced superoxide dismutase activity, reduced malondialdehyde content, alleviated inflammatory infiltrate, mitigated tubular and glomerular lesions, and downregulated NF-κB (nuclear factor-κb) p65 expression, leading to decreased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1β (interleukin-1β) levels in GM-induced AKI animals. Furthermore, mesaconine inhibited the expression of renal pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax, cytochrome c, cleaved-caspase 9, and cleaved-caspase 3) and induced the release of the anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2, further suppressing apoptosis. This study highlighted the therapeutic potential of mesaconine in GM-induced AKI. Its multifaceted mechanisms, including the restoration of mitochondrial dysfunction, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and apoptosis mitigation, make mesaconine a promising candidate for further exploration in AKI management.

Forecasting acute kidney injury and resource utilization in ICU patients using longitudinal, multimodal models

BackgroundAdvances in artificial intelligence (AI) have realized the potential of revolutionizing healthcare, such as predicting disease progression via longitudinal inspection of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and lab tests from patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICU). Although substantial literature exists addressing broad subjects, including the prediction of mortality, length-of-stay, and readmission, studies focusing on forecasting Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), specifically dialysis anticipation like Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) are scarce. The technicality of how to implement AI remains elusive. ObjectiveThis study aims to elucidate the important factors and methods that are required to develop effective predictive models of AKI and CRRT for patients admitted to ICU, using EHRs in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) database. MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of established predictive models, considering both time-series measurements and clinical notes from MIMIC-IV databases. Subsequently, we proposed a novel multi-modal model which integrates embeddings of top-performing unimodal models, including Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and BioMedBERT, and leverages both unstructured clinical notes and structured time series measurements derived from EHRs to enable the early prediction of AKI and CRRT. ResultsOur multimodal model achieved a lead time of at least 12 h ahead of clinical manifestation, with an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUROC) of 0.888 for AKI and 0.997 for CRRT, as well as an Area Under the Precision Recall Curve (AUPRC) of 0.727 for AKI and 0.840 for CRRT, respectively, which significantly outperformed the baseline models. Additionally, we performed a SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) analysis using the expected gradients algorithm, which highlighted important, previously underappreciated predictive features for AKI and CRRT. ConclusionOur study revealed the importance and the technicality of applying longitudinal, multimodal modeling to improve early prediction of AKI and CRRT, offering insights for timely interventions. The performance and interpretability of our model indicate its potential for further assessment towards clinical applications, to ultimately optimize AKI management and enhance patient outcomes.

Assessing the role of Chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 14 in AKI: a European consensus meeting

Background Urinary Chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 14 (CCL14) is a biomarker associated with persistent severe acute kidney injury (AKI). There is limited data to support the implementation of this AKI biomarker to guide therapeutic actions. Methods Sixteen AKI experts with clinical CCL14 experience participated in a Delphi-based method to reach consensus on when and how to potentially use CCL14. Consensus was defined as ≥ 80% agreement (participants answered with ‘Yes’, or three to four points on a five-point Likert Scale). Results Key consensus areas for CCL14 test implementation were: identifying challenges and mitigations, developing a comprehensive protocol and pairing it with a treatment plan, and defining the target population. The majority agreed that CCL14 results can help to prioritize AKI management decisions. CCL14 levels above the high cutoff (> 13 ng/mL) significantly changed the level of concern for modifying the AKI treatment plan (p < 0.001). The highest level of concern to modify the treatment plan was for discussions on renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation for CCL14 levels > 13 ng/mL. The level of concern for discussion on RRT initiation between High and Low, and between Medium and Low CCL14 levels, showed significant differences. Conclusion Real world urinary CCL14 use appears to provide improved care options to patients at risk for persistent severe AKI. Experts believe there is a role for CCL14 in AKI management and it may potentially reduce AKI-disease burden. There is, however, an urgent need for evidence on treatment decisions and adjustments based on CCL14 results.

Treatment of Acute Kidney Injury: A Review of Current Approaches and Emerging Innovations.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex and life-threatening condition with multifactorial etiologies, ranging from ischemic injury to nephrotoxic exposures. Management is founded on treating the underlying cause of AKI, but supportive care-via fluid management, vasopressor therapy, kidney replacement therapy (KRT), and more-is also crucial. Blood pressure targets are often higher in AKI, and these can be achieved with fluids and vasopressors, some of which may be more kidney-protective than others. Initiation of KRT is controversial, and studies have not consistently demonstrated any benefit to early start dialysis. There are no targeted pharmacotherapies for AKI itself, but some do exist for complications of AKI; additionally, medications become a key aspect of AKI management because changes in renal function and dialysis support can lead to issues with both toxicities and underdosing. This review will cover existing literature on these and other aspects of AKI treatment. Additionally, this review aims to identify gaps and challenges and to offer recommendations for future research and clinical practice.

Impact of a Short Educational Session on Early Diagnosis and Management of Acute Kidney Injury for Different Specialties.

This questionnaire study aimed to evaluate the impact of a short educational session on the early diagnosis and management of acute kidney injury (AKI) among doctors specializing in fields other than nephrology, assessed through pre- and post-test scores. This educational study included resident doctors from various specialties for assessment. The study enrolled different specialty resident doctors' departments and assessed them through questionnaires and assessment scores. The pre-test questionnaires were first distributed and collected after 20 minutes. This was followed by a 30-minute short educational lecture on AKI by the nephrology faculty about its early diagnosis and management as per the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines. Immediately post continuing medical education, the same questionnaires were distributed along with feedback forms and collected after 10 minutes. A total of 110 residents participated in the study. All participants showed significant improvement in the post-lecture questionnaires compared to pre-lecture scores. For medicine and allied branch residents, the pre- and post-lecture scores were significantly higher than those of the surgical and allied branch residents. The lowest score was observed in residents of orthopedics. The improvement scores of all departments also showed significant differences. The highest improvement was seen in the department of gynecology, followed by residents of the critical care unit and the department of anesthesia. The residents of those departments with high pre- and post-test scores had lower improvement scores. The study found a significant knowledge gap in different sister specialties in diagnosing and managing AKI. Short educational sessions showed significant improvement in AKI understanding by addressing the knowledge gaps.

APASL clinical practice guidelines on the management of acute kidney injury in acute-on-chronic liver failure.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a syndrome that is characterized by the rapid development of organ failures predisposing these patients to a high risk of short-term early death. The main causes of organ failure in these patients are bacterial infections and systemic inflammation, both of which can be severe. For the majority of these patients, a prompt liver transplant is still the only effective course of treatment. Kidneys are one of the most frequent extrahepatic organs that are affected in patients with ACLF, since acute kidney injury (AKI) is reported in 22.8-34% of patients with ACLF. Approach and management of kidney injury could improve overall outcomes in these patients. Importantly, patients with ACLF more frequently have stage 3 AKI with a low rate of response to the current treatment modalities. The objective of the present position paper is to critically review and analyze the published data on AKI in ACLF, evolve a consensus, and provide recommendations for early diagnosis, pathophysiology, prevention, and management of AKI in patients with ACLF. In the absence of direct evidence, we propose expert opinions for guidance in managing AKI in this very challenging group of patients and focus on areas of future research. This consensus will be of major importance to all hepatologists, liver transplant surgeons, and intensivists across the globe.

Local Renal Treatments for Acute Kidney Injury: A Review of Current Progress and Future Translational Opportunities.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) constitutes a significant public health concern, with limited therapeutic options to mitigate injury or expedite recovery. A novel therapeutic approach, local renal treatment, encompassing pharmacotherapy and surgical interventions, has exhibited positive outcomes in AKI management. Peri-renal administration, employing various delivery routes, such as the renal artery, intrarenal, and subcapsular sites, has demonstrated superiority over peripheral intravenous infusion. This review evaluates different drug delivery methods, analyzing their benefits and limitations, and proposes potential improvements. Renal decapsulation, particularly with the availability of minimally invasive techniques, emerges as an effective procedure warranting renewed consideration for AKI treatment. The potential synergistic effects of combined drug delivery and renal decapsulation could further advance AKI therapies. Clinical studies have already begun to leverage the benefits of local renal treatments, and with ongoing technological advancements, these modalities are expected to increasingly outperform systemic intravenous therapy.