Loop diuretics and mortality in patients with acute kidney injury

Abstract

Critically ill patients are at high risk of fluid retention. Loop diuretics are frequently used for prevention or treatment of volume overload in patients with or at risk for acute kidney injury (AKI). Other indications include hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, and hyperazotemia. Several trials investigated the impact of loop diuretics on survival in patients with AKI. Their results are mostly inconclusive. The most recent KDIGO guidelines do not recommend the use of loop diuretics for prevention or treatment of AKI.