Recovery of kidney function in acute kidney injury
Daniel Patschan, Friedrich Stasche, Stefan Erfurt, Igor Matyukhin, Oliver Ritter, Wajima Safi
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with a significant burden of mortality worldwide. Each episode of AKI increases the long-term risk of death, especially if there is no recovery or insufficient renal recovery (i.e. restoration of kidney function). This narrative review summarizes relevant studies on the definition and prediction of renal recovery. The following databases were searched for references: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus. The period lasted from 1990 until 2024. The currently available criteria for renal recovery have been identified and discussed. Regarding restoration of kidney function prediction, seven studies on alternative or novel biomarkers have been reviewed. In the context of kidney replacement therapy and renal recovery, findings from four large, prospective randomized studies have been summarized. A standardized definition of renal recovery is presently not available. Specific biomarkers allow for an estimation of the likelihood of renal recovery under certain conditions. According to current knowledge, no dialysis method has been definitively shown to be advantageous for the recovery process.