Acute Kidney Injury in Endocrine Emergencies

Abstract

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious condition in clinical medicine that significantly increases morbidity and mortality, particularly in critically ill patients. Rapid and accurate identification of the underlying causes of AKI are crucial for determining appropriate therapeutic management and potentially saving the patient's life. Although endocrine emergencies are a less common cause of AKI in critically ill patients, recognizing when they occur is vital to comprehensive care.

Summary: AKI can impair the endocrine system and result in critical conditions for patients, particularly in cases of sepsis. In addition, several factors can contribute to severe conditions associated with AKI, including thyrotoxicosis, adrenal crisis, severe hypothyroidism, complications related to diabetes mellitus, panhypopituitarism, diabetes insipidus with acute hypernatremia, severe hypercalcemia, neuroendocrine tumors, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Key message: The early recognition of endocrine emergencies and the impact of AKI on the endocrine system in critically ill patients are essential to intensive and comprehensive care.

Keywords: Acute kidney injury; Adrenal crisis; Calcium; Hyperthyroidism; Hypothyroidism; Parathyroid hormone.