Nephrology

Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury, previously called acute renal failure, is an abrupt loss of kidney function that develops within 7 days. Acute kidney injury is a syndrome characterized by the rapid loss of the kidney's excretory function and is typically diagnosed by the accumulation of end products of nitrogen metabolism or decreased urine output, or both. AKI may lead to a number of complications, including metabolic acidosis, high potassium levels, uremia, changes in body fluid balance, and effects on other organ systems, including death. People who have experienced AKI may have an increased risk of chronic kidney disease in the future. Management includes treatment of the underlying cause and supportive care, such as renal replacement therapy.