UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: AKI and the Critically Ill

Posted: 1/5/2010 by Mike Winters, MBA, MD (Updated: 1/3/2025)
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AKI and the Critically Ill

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an abrupt reduction in kidney function causing disturbances in electrolytes, fluids, and acid-base balance.
AKI occurs in up to 67% of critically ill patients and is associated with a substantial increase in morbidity and mortality.
AKI in the critically ill is often multifactorial and most commonly due to sepsis, hypovolemia, medications, and hemodynamic instability.
Medications account for up to 20% of AKI in the critically ill.
Common medications that cause, or exacerbate AKI, in the critically ill include:
- NSAIDS
- Antibiotics (aminoglycosides, amphotericin, acyclovir)
- ACE-inhibitors
- Radiocontrast dye
Take Home Point: AKI is common in our critically ill ED patients and, whenever possible, avoid nephrotoxic medications that can result in additional injury.

References

Dennen P, Douglas IS, Anderson R. Acute kidney injury in the intensive care unit: An update and primer for the intensivist. Crit Care Med 2010; 38:261-27