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Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Direct Drug Delivery to Kidney via the Renal Artery
Published on: April 17, 2021
[Renal replacement therapy in the intensive care unit].
1Nierenzentrum Heidelberg, Medizinische Universitätsklinik Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 162, 69120 Heidelberg. christian.morath@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Acute kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care units significantly increases patient morbidity and mortality. This review examines AKI incidence, mortality, and optimal renal replacement therapy strategies for critically ill patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Management
Context:
- Acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients is a prevalent complication.
- High morbidity and mortality rates persist despite advances in intensive care and renal replacement therapy (RRT).
- Understanding AKI's impact is crucial for improving patient outcomes in the ICU.
Purpose:
- To review the current literature on the incidence and mortality of AKI in ICU patients.
- To discuss optimal timing for initiating renal replacement therapy (RRT).
- To evaluate patient outcomes associated with different RRT modalities and dialysis doses.
Summary:
- Critically ill patients with AKI face significantly higher morbidity and mortality, irrespective of the cause.
- Despite advancements, AKI remains a major challenge in intensive care settings.
- This overview synthesizes data on AKI epidemiology, RRT timing, modality, and dosage in the ICU.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of acute kidney injury in the ICU setting.
- Highlights the persistent challenges and critical factors influencing patient outcomes.
- Informs clinical decision-making regarding the management of critically ill patients with AKI.
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