[Acute kidney injury, an avoidable problem]

Abstract

Objective: To analyse the incidence, risk factors and avoidability of acute kidney injury in adult patients admitted to a Dutch hospital.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Method: We assessed all consecutive admissions in our clinic during one week for the development of acute kidney injury and its cause. We compared medical information between patients with and without acute kidney injury to identify risk factors. We reviewed whether the current advice on kidney injury was followed to estimate the avoidability of acute kidney injury.

Results: 347 patients were older than 18 years and admitted for more than 1 day. Acute kidney injury occurred in 16.4% of patients. Almost half of the patients already developed acute kidney injury at home, before admission. Acute kidney damage was encountered in all medical specialties. Chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus and heart failure were significantly more common in patients with acute kidney injury. Patients with acute kidney injury used significantly more RAS-inhibitors and loop diuretics. The renal function completely restored in half of cases. Two thirds of acute kidney injury was probably avoidable if volume depletion had been optimized or medication with hemodynamic effects had been adjusted in time according to the guidelines.

Conclusion: Acute kidney injury is not only a common and underestimated problem in the daily practice of all doctors, but it is also probably avoidable. Awareness of the risk of acute kidney injury by doctors, pharmacists and patients can contribute to the reduction of acute kidney injury and its serious consequences.