- Related Diseases or Conditions:
- Heart Failure: When the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, it can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, leading to AKI.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): People with preexisting kidney issues are more likely to experience AKI when stressors are introduced.
- Liver Disease: Conditions like cirrhosis can cause fluid imbalances that may impact kidney function.
- Emergent Health Concerns:
- Heart Surgery: Major surgeries like heart bypass operations may reduce blood flow to the kidneys temporarily, contributing to AKI.
- Sepsis: A severe infection that spreads throughout the body can lead to kidney damage due to inflammation and reduced blood flow.
- COVID-19: This virus has been shown to cause kidney injury through a variety of mechanisms, including direct infection of kidney cells, inflammation, and issues with blood clotting.
- Medications or Substances:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Drugs like ibuprofen can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, especially when taken in high doses or over long periods.
- Antibiotics: Some antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides, can be toxic to the kidneys.
- Contrast Dye: Used in imaging procedures, contrast dye can sometimes cause kidney damage, particularly in patients with preexisting kidney conditions.
- Stopping causative medications: If a medication is suspected to be contributing to AKI (like NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, or blood pressure medications), it’s typically stopped immediately. Sometimes alternative medications will be prescribed.
- Fluid management: Fluid balance is crucial. Both dehydration and fluid overload can worsen AKI. A doctor will carefully manage fluids to maintain proper hydration without overloading the kidneys.
- Dialysis: Dialysis becomes necessary if the kidneys cannot filter waste and fluids adequately. It can be either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, depending on the specific case. Dialysis provides temporary support until kidney function improves or until the kidneys require long-term support if they don’t recover.
- Urinary catheter: In cases where AKI is caused by an obstruction, a catheter can help relieve the blockage and allow the kidneys to resume their normal function. This is particularly important for those with conditions like kidney stones or enlarged prostates that can obstruct urine flow.
- Follow-up care: The follow-up visits after AKI are critical. Kidney function should be checked periodically to ensure full recovery or to catch any early signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Tests typically include blood tests for creatinine levels and urine tests for protein or blood.
