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Review
. 2018 Sep 28;7(10):307.
doi: 10.3390/jcm7100307.

Acute Kidney Injury Definition and Diagnosis: A Narrative Review

Joana Gameiro  1 , Jose Agapito Fonseca  2 , Sofia Jorge  3 , Jose Antonio Lopes  4
Affiliations
Review

Acute Kidney Injury Definition and Diagnosis: A Narrative Review

Joana Gameiro et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex syndrome characterized by a decrease in renal function and associated with numerous etiologies and pathophysiological mechanisms. It is a common diagnosis in hospitalized patients, with increasing incidence in recent decades, and associated with poorer short- and long-term outcomes and increased health care costs. Considering its impact on patient prognosis, research has focused on methods to assess patients at risk of developing AKI and diagnose subclinical AKI, as well as prevention and treatment strategies, for which an understanding of the epidemiology of AKI is crucial. In this review, we discuss the evolving definition and classification of AKI, and novel diagnostic methods.

Keywords: acute kidney injury; classification; definition; incidence.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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