Acute Kidney Injury From Diagnosis To Care

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious disorder in which sudden impairment of kidney function occurs secondary to one or more of a variety of underlying conditions and exposures. It is very common in (elderly) ICU patients and associated with very high mortality. Many of those who survive suffer from permanent kidney failure and other long-term morbidities. Renowned experts from around the world have contributed to this new publication, creating a succinct yet complete review of the most controversial aspects of AKI. The topics range from epidemiology and basic science to pathophysiology and clinical issues. It is intended as a concise reference work for physicians and nurses who deal with AKI in clinical nephrology and intensive care wards on a daily basis.

Associated with both acute kidney injury (AKI) and cardio-renal syndromes (CRS), new biomarkers represent both a popular area of investigation and a new opportunity for advancement of therapy. This book contains the resolutions of the most recent ADQI conferences on biomarkers in AKI (Dublin) and on cardio-renal syndromes (Venice). The first part answers specific questions about new biomarkers and their use and utility in AKI: What are the most suitable candidate molecules and physiologic measures, how solid and evidence based is the discovery phase? How can we incorporate the new biomarkers in the AKI conceptual model describing the evolution from susceptibility to insult, decreased GFR and organ death? Even if we have a positive biomarker pattern and we can identify patients at risk or patients with early or even subclinical AKI, how is this information affecting our clinical behavior and practice? The second part is dedicated to the appraisal of the current knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in different forms of CRS: it contains contributions on the state-of-the-art knowledge and practice of CRS, particularly focusing on the pathophysiology of the five subtypes. Acute and chronic mechanisms of damage are explored in depth, with particular attention to the primacy of organ involvement and the subsequent pathways of organ crosstalk.Presenting the most recent research in the field of biomarkers, AKI and CRS, this publication is an important educational tool for advanced investigators and clinical experts, but also for students and fellows.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent clinical syndrome among hospitalized patients, independently associated with both short- and long-term mortality. Previous investigations attempted to identify effective interventions to prevent AKI or promote kidney function recovery in patients with AKI. Most were unsuccessful. Hence, additional studies are required in the field of AKI research. In this Special Issue, we are making a call to action to stimulate researchers and clinicians to submit their studies on AKI conducted in nephrology, internal medicine, critical care, and other disciplines that will provide additional knowledge and skills in the field of AKI research, ultimately to improve patient outcomes.

Acute kidney failure is an important clinical area in the intensive care unit setting. An estimated 5–20% of critically ill patients experience an episode of acute kidney failure during the course of their illness, and about 5% of patients admitted to an ICU will eventually require renal replacement therapy. In these patients, in-hospital mortality is extremely high, exceeding 50%. Thus, the early detection and causal treatment of acute kidney problems is vitally important for a successful outcome. Written by internationally renowned experts, this clinical reference offers helpful advice with the most recent information on the definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical causes of acute kidney failure as a fundamental prerequisite for prevention of this disorder. Moreover, it also covers differential diagnostic approaches for patients with acute renal failure and provides a detailed outline of important measures for their clinical management. Finally, separate chapters are dedicated to various key aspects related to the adequate delivery of acute renal replacement therapy. It is intended as a helpful guide for all clinicians involved in the care of patients at risk of developing acute kidney problems.

This comprehensive guide covers the causes, characteristics, and presentations of acute kidney injury (AKI), as well as prevention and treatment. The first part of the book features chapters on the epidemiology and diagnosis of AKI. This is followed by sections on pathophysiology, clinical syndromes and patient management. Authored by leading clinicians, epidemiologists, basic scientists, and clinical trialists, this book captures the latest evidence and best practices for treating patients with AKI.

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is the standard of care for management of critically ill patients with acute renal failure. Part of the Pittsburgh Critical Care series, Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy provides concise, evidence-based, bedside guidance about this treatment modality, offering quick reference answers to clinicians' questions about treatments and situations encountered in daily practice. Organized into sections on theory, practice, special situations, and organizational issues, this volume provides a complete view of CRRT theory and practice. Tables summarize and highlight key points, and key studies and trials are included in each chapter. The second edition has been updated to include a new chapter on the use of biomarkers to aid in patient selection and timing, extensive revisions on terminology and nomenclature to match current standards, and the most up-to-date information on newly developed CRRT machines.

This practical guide provides the reader with answers to important clinically relevant questions regarding the evaluation and management of acute kidney injury (AKI). All aspects of critical care nephrology are covered, from pathophysiology and diagnosis to prevention and treatment. The questions considered relate to a wide range of issues, such as: How do I diagnose AKI? How can I protect the kidney in clinical practice? How do I manage patients with AKI? When should I initiate and how do I perform renal replacement therapy (RTT)? Which type of RTT is most appropriate for my patient? Should I give specific nutrients? In addition to providing practical guidelines and treatment algorithms, the book includes calculators for continuous RRT and anticoagulant dosing. The authors are internationally renowned experts in the fields of Intensive Care Medicine and Nephrology and all contributions are written in a clear and concise style and have been peer reviewed. Acute Nephrology for the Critical Care Physician will serve as a very useful source for intensivist internists, anesthesiologists and nephrologists involved in the management and treatment of critically ill patients at risk of or affected by AKI.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common condition with significant associated morbidity and mortality. Although impressive progress has been made in the understanding of the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of kidney injury, as well as in the clinical care of patients with AKI, outcomes have remained disturbingly static over the last 40-50 years. This book presents topical research data in the study of the causes, diagnosis and treatment of acute kidney injury. Topics discussed include classification of AKI; acute renal failure in the newborn; kidney ischemia and reperfusion injury; pandemic H1N1 influenza A infection and AKI; the role of oxidative stress in renal ischemia; biomarkers in acute kidney injury and B2 adrenoceptor therapy in AKI.