[Electronic alerts for acute kidney injury: Opportunities and limits]

Abstract

Background: Acute kidney injury (previously: acute renal failure) is a frequent disorder of hospitalized patients with serious complications contributing to worse prognosis as seen in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Acute kidney injury carries a high economic health burden. Early diagnosis and treatment and outpatient care may avoid complications such as development or progression of chronic kidney disease.

Objectives: The opportunities and limits of electronic alert systems for acute kidney injury were evaluated.

Materials and methods: Narrative review.

Results: In accordance with the literature, more than 95% of affected patients are treated by nonrenal specialties. Results from such systems established in the UK are promising. Patients with acute kidney injury are reliably and early detected by electronic alert systems. Quality of care is improved by hospital-wide electronic alert systems for acute kidney injury. Also, early initiated treatment seems to contribute to favorable patient-related outcome and to reduce mortality.

Conclusions: Implementation of hospital-wide electronic alert systems for acute kidney injury should be seriously considered.