Acute kidney injury

Abstract

AKI is a common and increasingly encountered complication among hospitalized patients undergoing surgical procedures. The development of postoperative AKI is a devastating complication associated with increased risk for poor outcomes. Identification of those at greatest risk is critical. Clinical risk scores, electronic reporting systems, enhanced monitoring, and novel damage-specific biomarkers can aid in risk identification, early diagnosis, and implementation of bundled interventions aimed at mitigating the course of AKI. While a number of specific syndromes may have specific therapeutic interventions, the general strategies for prevention and management are similar for all patients at risk of or developing AKI: enhanced monitoring; early resuscitation to optimize hemodynamics and volume status; mitigate and avoid harmful nephrotoxins; and timely referral for renal replacement therapy (RRT) when necessary.