Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Management
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) management focuses on identifying the cause of a sudden decline in kidney function and treating it promptly to reduce complications and support kidney recovery. AKI can develop within hours or days due to dehydration, severe infection, low blood pressure, certain medicines, blood loss, or urinary tract obstruction.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Doctors assess urine output, blood pressure, fluid balance, and kidney function through blood tests, urine tests, and imaging when required. Identifying the underlying cause is essential because treatment differs depending on whether AKI is related to reduced blood flow, kidney damage, or urinary obstruction.
Treatment and Kidney Recovery
Treatment may include carefully managed IV fluids, medicines for infections or other underlying conditions, adjustment of medicines that may affect kidney function, or procedures to relieve urinary blockage. Severe AKI with persistent fluid, electrolyte, acid-base, or metabolic complications may require dialysis or kidney replacement therapy.
Follow-Up and Monitoring
Regular monitoring after AKI helps assess kidney recovery and identify ongoing kidney problems. Some patients recover completely, while severe AKI can increase the risk of longer-term kidney disease.