Managing Critically Ill Patients with AKI

• Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in almost 50% of hospitalized patients and is an independent risk factor for mortality. 
• Updated guidelines have recently been published on the management of patients with AKI.
• Pearls for the management of patients with, or at risk of, AKI include:
  • Optimize volume status and perfusion pressure
    • Crystalloids preferred over colloids
    • Consider vasopressors to maintain MAP > 65 mm Hg
  • Avoid nephrotoxic drugs
  • Control co-factors
    • Monitor intra-abdominal pressure
    • Avoid hyperglycemia - target glucose < 150 mg/dL

References

Brienza N, et al. Protocoled resuscitation and the prevention of acute kidney injury. Curr Opin Crit Care 2012; 18:613-622.

Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Acute Kidney Injury Work Group. KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Acute Kidney Injury. Kidney Int 2012; 2(S):1-138.