Caring for OutPatiEnts after Acute Kidney Injury
What is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
- AKI is the sudden worsening of kidney function over hours to days and is a common problem in patients who are in the hospital.
- AKI causes a build-up of waste products in your blood and makes it hard for your kidneys to keep the right balance of fluid in your body.
- After having AKI, your chances are higher for other serious health problems (such as kidney disease and heart failure), rehospitalization or having AKI again in the future.
- Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common, costly, and deadly
- 60 of every 100 ICU patients have AKI
- If not addressed,
› AKI → cardiovascular disease (CVD)
› AKI → chronic kidney disease (CKD)
›… or even death
Why is it important?
- In some cases, AKI can lead to more serious kidney problems that may lead to dialysis or the need for a kidney transplant.
- There is a critical need to study new approaches to managing AKI – if there is a better way to help patients manage this condition, we can positively impact those who experience AKI.
