Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

• Clinical Stages: AKI is categorized into three clinical stages based on serum creatinine levels and urine output. The severity progresses from Stage 1 (mild) to Stage 3 (severe).
• Potential Complications: Severe AKI can lead to life-threatening complications such as electrolyte imbalances, fluid overload, and metabolic acidosis. These complications underscore the importance of timely medical evaluation.

• Decreased Urine Output: A significant reduction in urine output, known as oliguria, may indicate advanced stages of AKI. Anuria, where no urine is produced, is a critical sign requiring urgent attention.
• Fluid Retention: Noticeable swelling in the extremities, face, or abdomen due to fluid retention can be indicative of worsening kidney function and necessitates prompt medical assessment.
• Symptoms of Uraemia: As AKI progresses, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, confusion, and seizures may arise, indicating a critical stage requiring immediate medical intervention.

• Sudden Onset: If AKI develops suddenly, especially following trauma, severe infections, or exposure to nephrotoxic substances, immediate medical attention is imperative to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate interventions.
• Severe Dehydration: Conditions leading to severe dehydration, such as persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, or excessive fluid loss, can trigger AKI. In such cases, seeking medical help promptly is crucial to prevent further renal damage.
• Medication-Induced AKI: Certain medications and contrast agents can precipitate AKI. If an individual experiences a rapid decline in kidney function after medication use, seeking immediate medical advice is essential.

• Underlying Health Conditions: Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease are at higher risk of developing AKI. Any noticeable changes in kidney function should prompt a prompt medical evaluation.
• Postoperative Period: AKI can occur after surgical procedures, especially in cases involving significant blood loss, prolonged surgeries, or exposure to contrast agents. Vigilance in the postoperative period is crucial, and any signs of AKI should be promptly addressed.

If symptoms suggestive of AKI persist, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional promptly. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly impact the prognosis.

Individuals at high risk for AKI should maintain regular follow-ups with healthcare providers, and any deviations from baseline kidney function should be promptly reported.

Recognizing the signs and severity of AKI is paramount for timely intervention. Any suspicion of AKI or associated symptoms should prompt an immediate consultation with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate management strategies. Early intervention can mitigate the progression of AKI and improve overall outcomes.

Conducting a thorough physical examination is imperative for physicians to pinpoint the aetiology of acute kidney injury (AKI). An enlarged bladder may signify urinary tract obstruction leading to hydronephrosis.

Diagnosis confirmation requires blood tests quantifying creatinine and urea nitrogen levels. A progressive daily elevation in creatinine serves as a pivotal indicator of AKI, reflecting the severity of renal function decline.

Creatinine levels function as the primary gauge for the degree of kidney function deterioration. Higher creatinine levels correlate with more pronounced declines in renal function.

Additional blood tests discern metabolic imbalances associated with severe kidney function decline, encompassing acidosis (indicating low bicarbonate levels), hyperkalemia (elevated potassium), hyponatremia (reduced sodium), hypocalcemia (low calcium), and hyperphosphatemia (high phosphorus).

Urine tests, including urinalysis and electrolyte measurement (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate), aid in differentiating causes of kidney injury, such as inadequate blood flow, renal damage, or urinary obstruction.

Utilizing ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT) facilitates kidney imaging, identifying hydronephrosis or an enlarged bladder. X-rays with angiography may be employed in cases where blood vessel obstruction is suspected. However, due to the iodine-containing contrast agent's potential for additional kidney damage, angiography is reserved for situations where alternative tests yield insufficient information.

MRA, akin to angiography, provides comparable information. Traditional gadolinium use in MRA may pose risks in individuals with severely reduced kidney function, leading to nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy. However, newer gadolinium formulations mitigate this risk, making MRA a viable option after consultation with the healthcare team.

In instances where other diagnostic approaches fall short, a biopsy may be essential to ascertain both the diagnosis and prognosis of kidney injury.

• Therapeutic Resistance: When conventional medical interventions, encompassing volume resuscitation and pharmacotherapy, prove inadequate in reversing AKI, surgical exploration becomes imperative.
• Emergent Circumstances: Traumatic incidents, profound infections, or swiftly progressing pathologies may necessitate emergent surgical measures to preclude irreversible renal compromise.
• Structural Abnormalities: Identifiable anatomical irregularities, such as obstructive lesions or vascular anomalies, demand surgical correction to rectify underlying issues contributing to AKI.

As a forefront institution in renal care, Link Hospital actively engages in cutting-edge research and innovation. This commitment to advancing medical and surgical knowledge translates into enhanced care options for our patients, keeping us at the forefront of AKI treatment modalities.

Surgical involvement in AKI management is contingent upon discerning clinical factors, including etiological considerations, therapeutic responsiveness, and the urgency of intervention. Surgeons play a pivotal role in addressing the anatomical substrates of AKI, mitigating the course of the condition, and optimizing patient outcomes through meticulous and tailored surgical approaches. Decisions for surgical interventions are guided by a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted factors underpinning AKI presentations.

Link Hospital distinguishes itself as the preferred choice for AKI treatment, blending cutting-edge medical expertise, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a patient-centric ethos. Our commitment to excellence in both medical and surgical realms positions us as a leading institution in the realm of renal care.