Abrupt and usually reversible decline in GFR, which results in elevation of serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and other metabolic waste products with diminished urine output

Around 15% of patients admitted to hospital develop AKI.

Top tip:

• In a patient with no urine output, FIRST check the catheter, make sure it is not blocked and if it is patient, then evaluate for AKI

Risk Factors for Acute Kidney Injury

Consider the possibility of an acute kidney injury in patients that are suffering with an acute illness such as infection or having a surgical operation. Risk factors that would predispose them to developing acute kidney injury include:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Heart failure
• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Older age (above 65 years)
• Cognitive impairment
• Nephrotoxic medications such as NSAIDS and ACE inhibitors
• Use of a contrast medium such as during CT scans

NICE Criteria For AKI

• Rise in creatinine of ≥ 25 micromol/L in 48 hours
• Rise in creatinine of ≥ 50% in 7 days
• Urine output of < 0.5ml/kg/hour for > 6 hours
  • Note: normal output is at least 1ml/kg/hour