Acute Kidney Injury: Principles of Management

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by rapid decline in renal function with accumulation of nitrogenous waste and inability of kidney to maintain fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. The term acute renal failure had been replaced by AKI since it represents renal dysfunction as a continuum rather than a discrete finding of failed function. The manifestations of AKI are wide, ranging from minimal elevation of serum creatinine to anuric renal failure. AKI can occur in variety of clinical settings and is associated with several short- and long-term morbidities and increased mortality.