Acute Kidney Injury

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI), previously named acute renal failure, is characterized by abrupt deterioration in renal function. The incidence of AKI has increased lately, both in the hospital and community setting. It is estimated that more than 13 million people are affected by AKI annually worldwide. Despite all the advances in the field, AKI still carries a high mortality rate. In addition to mortality, AKI is an important risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease. In this chapter, various aspects of AKI will be discussed including definition and staging, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presenta- tion, diagnosis, management, prognosis, and prevention. crisis, disease,