Fluid overload and acute kidney injury

Abstract

Commonest intervention in hospitalized patient is fluid therapy, and practically every critically ill patient receives fluid resuscitation. Commonest indication for fluid administration is to achieve hemodynamic stability and prevent or manage acute kidney injury (AKI). However, fluid administration is a two-edged sword, i.e., inadequate fluids give rise to hypoperfusion and organ injury and overzealous fluid therapy can give rise to fluid overload and related consequences. Though fluids are commonly given to prevent development of AKI, hypervolemia itself has the potential to cause AKI.