Acute Kidney Injury: From Diagnosis to Prevention and Treatment Strategies
Joana Gameiro, José Agapito Fonseca, Cristina Outerelo, José António Lopes
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by an acute decrease in renal function that can be multifactorial in its origin and is associated with complex pathophysiological mechanisms. In the short term, AKI is associated with an increased length of hospital stay, health care costs, and in-hospital mortality, and its impact extends into the long term, with AKI being associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events, progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD), and long-term mortality. Given the impact of the prognosis of AKI, it is important to recognize at-risk patients and improve preventive, diagnostic, and therapy strategies. The authors provide a comprehensive review on available diagnostic, preventive, and treatment strategies for AKI.