Management Of Renal Replacement Therapy Research Articles

Chinese clinical practice guideline for acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI), a common and severe disease, is associated with a high risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which is a global health burden with high morbidity and mortality. Although many foreign clinical practice guidelines have standardized the management and treatment of AKI, there is a lack of overall guidance for AKI which is suitable for our national conditions. Thus, an expert group in related fields were organized by the National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases and Chinese Nephrologist Association to collaborate to complete the Chinese Clinical Practice Guideline for Acute Kidney Injury based on the latest existing evidence-based medical evidence both domestically and internationally. The guideline systematically introduces the definition and epidemiological feature, diagnosis and monitoring of AKI, pharmacological approaches to prevent or treat AKI, and management of renal replacement therapy, management of AKI on special populations, and the outcome and prognosis of AKI, aiming to provide reasonable recommendations for all level clinicians in China.

Paraoxonase 1 Activity and Renal Replacement Therapy for Chronic Renal Failure: A Meta-Analysis.

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), an antioxidant enzyme, shows cardioprotective properties and has been proposed as a therapeutic marker for CRF. A systematic analysis of the literature assessing the association between PON1 activity and renal replacement therapy (RRT) of CRF is currently lacking. Therefore, we set out to perform a meta-analysis of the available data on PON1 in RRT of CRF. We searched three electronic databases for studies on PON1 activity in CRF patients with RRT such as hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD), or renal transplantation (RTx), published before June 2023. A random-effects and network meta-analysis were performed. A total of 53 studies were eligibly identified. Compared to CRF patients without RRT, RTx patients had higher paraoxonase activity (standard mean difference (SMD), 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.76-2.75), followed by HD (SMD, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.02-1.45) and PD patients. Likewise, RTx patients had higher arylesterase activity (SMD, 1.84, 95% CI, 0.18-3.50), followed by HD and PD patients. Also, paraoxonase activity was increased after HD (SMD, 0.59, 95% CI, 0.16-1.03). In conclusion, the overall data demonstrated that PON1 activity is higher in CRF patients with RRT, particularly RTx, followed by that of HD and PD. Measuring PON1 activity can also be included to the paraclinical toolbox for the management of RRT, in addition to the understanding of CRF-related pathophysiology. Regarding the selection of RRT types and their potential to prevent CVD, more research is required.

Management of renal replacement therapy among adults in French intensive care units: A bedside practice evaluation

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate renal replacement therapy (RRT) practices in a representative nationwide sample of French intensive care units (ICUs). MethodsFrom July 1 to October 5 2021, 67 French ICUs provided data regarding their ICU and RRT implementation. We used an online questionnaire to record general data about each participating ICU, including the type of hospital, number of beds, staff ratios, and RRT implementation. Each center then prospectively recorded RRT parameters from 5 consecutive acute kidney injury (AKI) patients, namely the indication, type of dialysis catheter used, type of catheter lock used, type of RRT (continuous or intermittent), the RRT parameters initially prescribed (dose, blood flow, and duration), and the anticoagulant agent used for the circuit. ResultsA total of 303 patients from 67 ICUs were analyzed. Main indications for RRT were oligo-anuria (57.4%), metabolic acidosis (52.1%), and increased plasma urea levels (47.9%). The commonest insertion site was the right internal jugular (45.2%). In 71.0% of cases, the dialysis catheter was inserted by a resident. Ultrasound guidance was used in 97.0% and isovolumic connection in 90.1%. Citrate, unfractionated heparin, and saline were used as catheter locks in 46.9%, 24.1%, and 21.1% of cases, respectively. ConclusionsPractices in French ICUs are largely compliant with current national guidelines and international literature. The findings should be interpreted in light of the limitations inherent to this type of study.

Renal replacement therapy in extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation patients: A survey of practices and new insights for future studies

BackgroundPatients under extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are at high risk of developing acute kidney injury and renal replacement therapy (RRT) is frequently needed. The aim of this study was to explore RRT use in ECMO patients, as no recommendations exist in this setting. MethodsAn online questionnaire about RRT management in ECMO patients was sent to the members of the ARCOTHOVA (Anesthésie-Réanimation Coeur-Thorax-Vaisseaux) association and to the GFRUP (Groupe Francophone de Réanimation et Urgences Pédiatriques). ResultsNinety intensivists from adult ICU and twenty from paediatric ICU responded to the questionnaire. RRT use was common as 67% respondents reported that more than 25% of their ECMO patients needed RRT. RRT indications were similar between centres, with persistent anuria (83%), metabolic acidosis (80%), fluid overload (78%) and hyperkalaemia (80%) being the more prevalent. Continuous renal replacement therapy was the preferred technique (97%). Continuous veno-venous haemofiltration was predominant (64%) over continuous veno-venous haemodiafiltration (21%). Unfractionated heparin was employed as first line choice anticoagulation in 61% and regional citrate anticoagulation in 16%. Integration of RRT device directly into the ECMO circuit was the preferred configuration (40%) while parallel systems with separate catheter were used in 30%. When the integrated approach was chosen, RRT device was most frequently connected with inlet and outlet lines after the ECMO pump (58%) and pressure alarms were encountered for 60% of participants. ConclusionsOur results highlight the high variability of practice between centres. They suggest the need to compare the integrated and parallel configurations of combining RRT and ECMO.

PAEDIATRIC ACUTE PERITONEAL DIALYSIS IN SOKOTO: REVIEW AND OUTCOME

Background: Renal replacement therapy (RRT) in form of peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an important treatment procedure in Paediatric Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) management. It is cost effective and materials are easily sourced for in the developing countries. There is paucity of sub-Saharan Africa data on the use of PD in paediatric AKI, hence this study. Methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study of cohort of children who were admitted into Emergency Paediatrics Unit of Department of Paediatrics, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, and had PD done between July 1st, 2007 and July 31st, 2019. Age, gender, cause of AKI, indication for dialysis, type of dialysis fluid and peritoneal access used, duration, complication and outcome were documented. Results: A total number of 11 children who had acute PD due to AKI during the duration were studied with male preponderance of 8 (72.7%) and majority (81.8%) belonging to lower social class (IV and V). Their ages ranged between 5 months and 12 years with a mean age of 4.8±3 years. Acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) (n = 5), severe acute diarrhoeal disease (n = 4) and obstructive nephropathy (n =2) were causes of AKI. Peritoneal dialysis was performed manually using percutaneous commercial PD catheters (n=10) and adapted catheter (n=1). Duration of PD ranged from 3 to 17 days (mean: 8.1±4.1 days). The main complications were peri-catheter leakage (n = 6), and catheter obstruction (n = 3), exit wound (n=2) and acute bacterial peritonitis (n = 1). Of the 11 patients, 7 (63.6%) were discharged home alive and well, 3 (27.4%) died and 1(9.1%) left against medical advice. Conclusion: With meticulous attention to aseptic procedure and use of improvised dialysis fluids and catheters or semi-rigid PD catheters where available, PD is an affordable choice of RRT in management of paediatric AKI. Complications are bound to occur and are better anticipated and planned for.

Paediatric nursing management of renal replacement therapy: Intensive care nursing or dialysis nursing?

Children who develop Acute Kidney Injury may start renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Paediatric or Neonatal Intensive Care Units (hereafter PICU or NICU); RRT can be delivered either by paediatric dialysis nurses or by critical care nurses. In both case, nurses devoted to this task must have a high level of competence in providing care to children receiving haemodialytic treatment in a specific technological environment. The objective of this research was to investigate which models have been adopted to organize nursing care in RRT management in different Italian PICU and NICU, and to explore the training of ICU nurses on the management of RRT. A multi-centre survey was conducted through an online questionnaire directed to the Italian PICU and NICU nurse coordinators. A total of 15 Intensive Care Units (12 PICU and 3 NICU) in 12 hospitals were involved. The mean nurse/patient ratio in these units is 1:3. In 72.7% of critical care units, dialysis treatment is delivered by critical care nurses belonging to the unit itself, while in 27.3% of units paediatric dialysis nurses are in charge of dialysis treatment in collaboration with critical care nurses. In 25% of surveyed units there is some structured form of collaboration between Paediatric Dialysis nurses and critical care nurses. However, 75% of units did not respond to this specific question. The different units adopt various forms of RRT training for nursing staff. The scenario resulting from this analysis showed how in our sample of Italian hospitals there is no standard practice for RRT nursing management. In addition, although various forms of training for nursing staff exist, a proper educational programme and/or a standardized specific training about RRT management for nursing staff is not in place in the surveyed hospitals. The lack of standardized protocols or guidelines for RRT delivery to critically ill children can compromise their safety. The structuring of these protocols and the production of best clinical practice guidelines would allow standardization of the nursing management of the RRT and of the corresponding training. This may help to provide the proper care and to guarantee the patients' safety.

S2668 Cortical Laminar Necrosis Due to Hyperammonemia: The Irreversible Side of Hepatic Encephalopathy

INTRODUCTION: Cortical laminar necrosis (CLN) is a specific pattern of neuronal death due to sparsity of glucose and oxygen. These lesions can cause persistent neurological deficits, even after treatment of the triggering etiology. Among various causes of CLN, data on hepatic encephalopathy manifesting as CLN is scarce. Here we report a case of acute hepatic encephalopathy presenting as CLN. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: 63 years old lady with history of stroke, alcohol abuse and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis leading to cirrhosis, was brought in after being found unresponsive at home. She had a Glasgow Coma Score of 7 and was emergently intubated. Initial lab and imaging investigations led to a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. Day 1 MRI (Figure 1) showed restricted diffusion in both cerebral hemispheres and multiple vascular territories suggesting hepatic encephalopathy. Patient’s condition kept deteriorating despite aggressive treatment with lactulose, rifaximin initially, plus renal replacement therapy from day 2. MRI done on day 6 (Figure 2) showed new patchy bright signal on FLAIR and T2 images and white matter of both cerebral hemispheres as well as the left pons. Asymmetry of hippocampal formations was seen and thought to be secondary to swelling and enlargement of left hippocampal guidance and suspected atrophy of right hippocampal formation. There was also a mass effect causing a 5 mm midline shift to the right which was related to suspected brain swelling on the left. These findings were consistent with cortical laminar necrosis. Palliative care team was taken on board and eventually the family decided to pursue a comfort pathway and patient was compassionately extubated. She passed away 8 days after admission on the day of extubation. DISCUSSION: One of the possible reasons for the mortality in our case could be that we were unable to sufficiently lower ammonia levels early in the course of acute illness until renal replacement therapy was started. There is scarcity of clear evidence in literature on whether early and aggressive medical therapy leads to better outcomes in these patients. Moreover, further studies are needed to define the “early” intervention and what would be the target level of ammonia before resorting to advanced therapies including renal replacement therapy in management of this disease.Figure 1.: Areas of restricted diffusion involving bilateral (left worse than right) temporal, frontal and parietal lobes. Old right temporal-parietal infarct.Figure 2.: Extension of restricted diffusion and development of extensive FLAIR changes in bilateral temporal, parietal and frontal lobes. Old right temporal-parietal infarct.

9. Selection and Management of Renal Replacement Therapy

9. Selection and Management of Renal Replacement Therapy

9. Selection and Management of Renal Replacement Therapy

9. Selection and Management of Renal Replacement Therapy

Renal Replacement Therapy Practices in India: A Nationwide Survey.

IntroductionRenal replacement therapy (RRT) is utilized for patients admitted with acute kidney injury and is becoming indispensable for the treatment of critically ill patients. In low middle income and developing country like India, the epidemiological date about the practices of RRT in various hospitals setups in India are lacking. Renal replacement therapy although is being widely practiced in India, however, is not uniform or standardized. Moreover, the use of RRT beyond traditional indications has not only increased but has shifted from the ambit of the nephrologist and has come under the charge of intensivists.Aims and objectivesThe goal of the study was to record perceptions and current practices in RRT management among intensivists across Indian intensive care units (ICUs).Materials and methodsA questionnaire including questions about hospital and ICU settings, availability of RRT, manpower availability, and RRT management in critically ill patients was formed by an expert panel of ICU physicians. The questionnaire was circulated online to Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) members in October 2019.ResultsThe facilities in government setups are scarce and undersupplied as compared to private or corporate setups in terms of ICU bed strength and availability of RRT. High cost of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) makes their use restricted.ConclusionResources of RRT in our country are limited, more in government setup. Improvement of the existing resources, training of personnel, and making RRT affordable are the challenges that need to be overcome to judiciously utilize these services to benefit critically ill patients.How to cite this articleSodhi K, Philips A, Mishra RC, Tyagi N, Dixit SB, Chaudhary D, et al. Renal Replacement Therapy Practices in India: A Nationwide Survey. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(9):823–831.

Renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients: who, when, why, and how.

The increasing incidence of acute kidney injury has the immediate effect of a growing need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). Shedding light on the questions of who, when, why, and how RRT should be performed is difficult to accomplish because of ambiguous study results, poor quality evidence, and low standardization. Critically ill patients are exposed to multiple factors known to deteriorate kidney function. Especially severe fluid overload is strongly associated with worse outcome and may be considered as a trigger for initiating RRT. In the absence of life-threatening complications, a strategy of early initiation of RRT might be most advantageous keeping in mind the potential adverse effects of RRT. By providing better hemodynamic stability and superior control of fluid balance continuous RRT is the first choice therapeutic tool as compared with intermittent techniques. The femoral and jugular veins are the preferred insertion sites for temporary catheters. Although data are still weak, there is some preliminary evidence that regional citrate anticoagulation is superior to systemic heparinization. The best management of RRT is still a subject of controversy. Continuous RRT with regional citrate anticoagulation via a temporary catheter in a jugular vein is the recommended first choice treatment option in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury.

Renal Support for Acute Kidney Injury in the Developing World

There is wide variation in the management of acute kidney injury (AKI) and the practice of renal replacement therapy (RRT) around the world. Clinicians in developing countries face additional challenges due to limited resources, reduced availability of trained staff and equipment, cultural and socioeconomic aspects, and administrative and governmental barriers. In this article, we report the consensus recommendations from the 18th Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative conference in Hyderabad, India. We provide the minimal requirements for provision of acute RRT in developing countries, including patient selection, choice of RRT modality and monitoring, transition, and termination of acute RRT. We also discuss areas of uncertainty and propose themes for future research. These recommendations can serve as a foundation for clinicians to implement renal support for AKI in low resource settings.

Current practice in continuous renal replacement therapy: An epidemiological multicenter study

ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to ascertain the most relevant aspects of the current management of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critically ill patients, and to analyze renal function recovery and mortality in patients undergoing RRT. MethodsA non-interventional three-month observational study was made in 2012, with a follow-up period of 90 days, in 21 centers in Catalonia (Spain). Demographic information, severity scores and clinical data were obtained, as well as RRT parameters. Inclusion criteria: patients aged ≥16 years admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and subjected to RRT. ResultsA total of 261 critically ill patients were recruited, of which 35% had renal dysfunction prior to admission. The main reason for starting RRT was oliguria; the most widely used RRT modality was hemodiafiltration; and the median prescribed dose at baseline was 35mL/kg/h. The median time of RRT onset from ICU admission was one day. The mortality rate at 30 and 90 days was 46% and 54%, respectively, and was associated to greater severity scores and a later onset of RRT. At discharge, 85% of the survivors had recovered renal function. ConclusionsCurrent practice in RRT in Catalonia abides with the current clinical practice guidelines. Mortality related to RRT is associated to later onset of such therapy. The renal function recovery rate at hospital discharge was 85% among the patients subjected to RRT.

Definition, Management, and Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury: An International Survey of Nephrologists

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex disease burdened by uncertainties of definition, management strategies, and prognosis. This study explores the relationship between demographic characteristics of nephrologists and their perceptions about the definition, management, and follow-up of AKI. Methods: We developed a Web-based survey, the International Survey on Acute Kidney Injury (ISAKI), consisting of 29 items in 4 categories: (1) demographic and practice characteristics, (2) definition of AKI, (3) management of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in AKI, and (4) sequelae of AKI. A multivariable stepwise logistic regression model was used to examine relationships between the dependent variables and the demographic characteristics of the respondents. Results: Responses from 743 nephrologists from 90 countries were analyzed. The majority (60%) of respondents reported using RIFLE and/or AKIN criteria regularly to define AKI, although US nephrologists were less likely to do so (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.42-0.85). The most common initial RRT modality was intermittent hemodialysis (63.5%), followed by continuous RRT (23.8%). Faculty affiliation was associated with a higher likelihood of using a dialysis schedule of ≥4 times a week (OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.20-2.55). The respondents believed that a single episode of AKI increases the likelihood of development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (55%), subsequent AKI (36%), and rapid progression of preexisting CKD (87%). US nephrologists were less likely to recommend follow-up after resolution of AKI (OR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.07-0.33). Conclusions: Our findings highlight the need for a widely accepted consensus definition of AKI, a uniform approach to management, and improved follow-up after resolution of AKI episodes.

Manejo actual de las terapias continuas de reemplazo renal: Estudio epidemiológico multicéntrico

ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to ascertain the most relevant aspects of the current management of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critically ill patients, and to analyze renal function recovery and mortality in patients undergoing RRT. MethodsA non-interventional three-month observational study was made in 2012, with a follow-up period of 90 days, in 21 centers in Catalonia (Spain). Demographic information, severity scores and clinical data were obtained, as well as RRT parameters. Inclusion criteria: patients aged ≥ 16 years admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and subjected to RRT. ResultsA total of 261 critically ill patients were recruited, of which 35% had renal dysfunction prior to admission. The main reason for starting RRT was oliguria; the most widely used RRT modality was hemodiafiltration; and the median prescribed dose at baseline was 35mL/kg/h. The median time of RRT onset from ICU admission was one day. The mortality rate at 30 and 90 days was 46% and 54%, respectively, and was associated to greater severity scores and a later onset of RRT. At discharge, 85% of the survivors had recovered renal function. ConclusionsCurrent practice in RRT in Catalonia abides with the current clinical practice guidelines. Mortality related to RRT is associated to later onset of such therapy. The renal function recovery rate at hospital discharge was 85% among the patients subjected to RRT.

An Empirical Biomarker-Based Calculator for Cystic Index in a Model of Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease-The Nieto-Narayan Formula.

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is associated with progressive enlargement of the kidneys fuelled by the formation and expansion of fluid-filled cysts. The disease is congenital and children that do not succumb to it during the neonatal period will, by age 10 years, more often than not, require nephrectomy+renal replacement therapy for management of both pain and renal insufficiency. Since increasing cystic index (CI; percent of kidney occupied by cysts) drives both renal expansion and organ dysfunction, management of these patients, including decisions such as elective nephrectomy and prioritization on the transplant waitlist, could clearly benefit from serial determination of CI. So also, clinical trials in ARPKD evaluating the efficacy of novel drug candidates could benefit from serial determination of CI. Although ultrasound is currently the imaging modality of choice for diagnosis of ARPKD, its utilization for assessing disease progression is highly limited. Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, although more reliable for determination of CI, are expensive, time-consuming and somewhat impractical in the pediatric population. Using a well-established mammalian model of ARPKD, we undertook a big data-like analysis of minimally- or non-invasive blood and urine biomarkers of renal injury/dysfunction to derive a family of equations for estimating CI. We then applied a signal averaging protocol to distill these equations to a single empirical formula for calculation of CI. Such a formula will eventually find use in identifying and monitoring patients at high risk for progressing to end-stage renal disease and aid in the conduct of clinical trials.

Findings from two large randomized controlled trials on renal replacement therapy in acute kidney injury

Many issues regarding the management of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in acute kidney injury (AKI) including timing of initiation, selection of RRT modality, and optimal dosing remain to be resolved. Two major randomized controlled trials, the Veterans Affairs/National Institutes of Health (VA/NIH) Acute Renal Failure Trial Network (ATN) and the Randomized Evaluation of Normal versus Augmented Level (RENAL) studies, which were elaborately designed to evaluate the benefit for delivering RRT of higher intensity in critically ill patients, were characterized by their sophisticated design, large sample sizes, and comprehensive data collection. Although no beneficial effect of higher intensity RRT was demonstrated by these studies, many ancillary studies conducted subanalyses which provided additional findings on other important clinical questions that remained unsolved. This review aims to overview the useful information obtained by the VA/NIH ATN and the RENAL studies to gain useful insights for optimal RRT in AKI.

New KDIGO guidelines on acute kidney injury. Practical recommendations

The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients is very high and is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. In 2012 the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) guidelines were published in which evidence-based practical recommendations are given for the evaluation and management of patients with AKI. The first section of the KDIGO guidelines deals with the unification of earlier consensus definitions and staging criteria for AKI. The subsequent sections of the guidelines cover the prevention and treatment of AKI as well as the management of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in patients with AKI. In each section the existing evidence is discussed and a specific treatment recommendation is given. The guidelines appreciates that there is insufficient evidence for many of the recommendations. As a specific pharmacological therapy is missing, an early diagnosis, aggressive hemodynamic optimization, tight volume control, and avoidance of nephrotoxic drugs are the only interventions to prevent AKI. If renal replacement therapy is required different modalities are available to provide an effective therapy with a low rate of adverse effects.

Timing of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy and Mortality in Critically Ill Children*

Acute kidney injury and fluid overload frequently necessitate initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. In this study, our primary objective was to determine the effect of timing of initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy on ICU mortality in children requiring renal support for management of acute kidney injury and/or fluid overload. Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary level, multidisciplinary PICU. Children who received continuous renal replacement therapy for management of acute kidney injury and/or fluid overload from January 2000 through July 2009 were included in the study. Patients requiring extracorporeal life support and patients initiated on continuous renal replacement therapy for indications other than acute kidney injury and/or fluid overload were excluded. None. Timing of initiation was defined chronologically as time from ICU admission to continuous renal replacement therapy initiation. Three hundred eighty treatments were performed during the study period, of which 190 were eligible and included in the study. Overall ICU mortality was 47% among the study population. Median timing of initiation was higher among nonsurvivors compared with survivors (3.4 vs 2.0 d, p = 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified timing of initiation as an independent predictor of mortality with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.05 (95% CI, 1.01, 1.11). Fluid overload, indication for continuous renal replacement therapy initiation, severity of illness at ICU admission, and active oncologic diagnosis were the other independent predictors of mortality that were identified in the final regression model. In the survival analysis, late initiators (> 5 d) had higher mortality than early initiators (≤ 5 d) with a hazard ratio of 1.56 (95% CI, 1.02, 2.37). Earlier initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy was associated with lower mortality in this cohort of critically ill children. Future studies should focus on early identification of such children who may benefit from early continuous renal replacement therapy initiation.

Diagnosis, evaluation, and management of acute kidney injury: a KDIGO summary (Part 1)

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious problem affecting millions and causing death and disability for many. In 2012, Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes completed the first ever, international, multidisciplinary, clinical practice guideline for AKI. The guideline is based on evidence review and appraisal, and covers AKI definition, risk assessment, evaluation, prevention, and treatment. In this review we summarize key aspects of the guideline including definition and staging of AKI, as well as evaluation and nondialytic management. Contrast-induced AKI and management of renal replacement therapy will be addressed in a separate review. Treatment recommendations are based on systematic reviews of relevant trials. Appraisal of the quality of the evidence and the strength of recommendations followed the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Limitations of the evidence are discussed and a detailed rationale for each recommendation is provided.