AKI
Acute kidney injury (AKI), also known as acute renal failure (ARF), is a sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or a few days. AKI causes a build-up of waste products in your blood and makes it hard for your kidneys to keep the right balance of fluid in your body.
AKI can also affect other organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs. Acute kidney injury is common in patients who are in the hospital, in intensive care units, and especially in older adults.
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Symptoms
- Decreased urine output
- Fluid retention and swelling (edema)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and weakness
- Confusion and altered mental status
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain or pressure
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Seizures or coma (in severe cases)
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Causes
- Reduced blood flow to the kidneys (prerenal causes)
- Damage to the kidney tissue (intrinsic renal causes)
- Obstruction of urine flow (postrenal causes)
Complications
Complications of AKI include
Fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances
Acid-base disturbances
Acute kidney injury progression to chronic kidney disease
Cardiovascular complications
Neurological complications
Gastrointestinal complications
Hematological complications
Increased risk of infections
Death
FAQ
Yes, certain populations, such as the elderly, individuals with pre-existing kidney disease, those with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, and critically ill patients in intensive care units, are at higher risk of developing AKI.
AKI can complicate the management of other medical conditions by affecting medication metabolism, fluid balance, and electrolyte levels. It's important for healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
Yes, preventive measures such as adequate hydration, careful monitoring of medication doses, minimizing the use of nephrotoxic agents, and implementing strategies to maintain blood pressure and perfusion to the kidneys can help reduce the risk of AKI in hospitalized patients.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing AKI, particularly in maintaining electrolyte balance and managing fluid intake. A dietitian may recommend adjustments to protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake based on the individual's kidney function and specific needs.
Yes, warning signs of worsening AKI may include a sudden decrease in urine output, persistent or worsening symptoms such as swelling or shortness of breath, and abnormal laboratory values indicating deteriorating kidney function.
AKI can disrupt fluid balance and electrolyte levels in the body, leading to fluid overload, hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), hyponatremia (low sodium levels), and other electrolyte imbalances. Monitoring and management of these parameters are essential in AKI treatment.
Yes, exposure to certain environmental toxins, heavy metals, and substances such as pesticides, solvents, and contrast agents used in medical imaging procedures can contribute to the development of AKI, particularly in susceptible individuals.
AKI can alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medications, potentially leading to medication toxicity or inadequate therapeutic effect. Adjustments to medication dosages and careful monitoring are necessary in patients with AKI and other chronic conditions.
Prognosis varies depending on factors such as the underlying cause, severity of kidney injury, presence of comorbidities, and promptness of treatment. With appropriate management, many individuals recover fully from AKI, while others may experience long-term complications or progression to chronic kidney disease.
Depending on the underlying cause and individual health status, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, avoiding nephrotoxic substances, and regular physical activity may help reduce the risk of recurrent AKI and promote overall kidney health.
