Description

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours to a few days. It causes a rapid buildup of waste products in the blood and makes it hard for the kidneys to maintain fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. ⚡ Quick Overview Aspect Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Onset Sudden (hours to days) Duration Often reversible (if treated early) Cause Often due to acute events (e.g., dehydration, infection, drugs) Symptoms Can be subtle or severe Outcome Full recovery, partial, or may progress to CKD if severe 🧬 Causes of AKI (Classified into 3 main categories) 1. Prerenal (most common) Due to decreased blood flow to the kidneys Examples: Severe dehydration Heart failure Shock or sepsis Blood loss 2. Intrinsic (Renal) Direct damage to the kidneys Examples: Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) Glomerulonephritis Nephrotoxins (e.g., NSAIDs, contrast dye, aminoglycosides) Infections 3. Postrenal Obstruction of urine flow Examples: Kidney stones Enlarged prostate (BPH) Tumors Ureteral obstruction 🩺 Signs and Symptoms Decreased urine output (oliguria or anuria) Swelling (legs, ankles, face) Fatigue Nausea/vomiting Confusion Shortness of breath Irregular heartbeat (due to electrolyte imbalances like high potassium) 🔬 Diagnosis Blood tests: ↑ Serum creatinine, ↑ BUN, electrolyte abnormalities (like ↑ K⁺) Urinalysis: Look for protein, blood, casts Ultrasound: Rule out obstruction Fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa%): Helps differentiate prerenal vs intrinsic 🛠️ Management Treat the underlying cause Fluids for dehydration Stop nephrotoxic drugs Antibiotics for infections Relieve obstruction (catheterization or surgery) Supportive care Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance Dialysis if necessary (severe cases) Avoid further kidney stress Adjust medication doses Avoid contrast agents if possible 🧠 Complications Electrolyte imbalance (especially hyperkalemia) Fluid overload Metabolic acidosis Uremia Can progress to Chronic Kidney Disease if not resolved

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