Biomarkers For Acute Kidney Injury

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the sudden loss of kidney function. It has been referred to as acute kidney failure in the past. The primary physiological function of the kidneys is to filter the blood and remove the waste, as well as excess salt and water. When AKI occurs, urea nitrogen and creatinine levels increase in the blood circulation, the daily urine output falls, and the fluid-electrolyte balance and the acid-base balance deteriorate. AKI is associated with prerenal, renal, and postrenal events. Although AKI is often reversible, depending on the causes and severity, it may not be. The most common adverse events due to AKI are chronic renal failure, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular events. AKI is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units. Therefore, early diagnosis of AKI is very important for the prognosis of patients as well as to reduce medical costs.