Year in review 2007: Critical Care--nephrology

We summarize original research in the field of critical care nephrology that was accepted for publication or published in 2007 in Critical Care and, when considered relevant or directly linked to this research, in other journals. Four main topics were identified for a brief overview. The first of these was the definition of acute kidney injury and recent evidence showing the validity of RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss and End-stage kidney disease) criteria and the recent Acute Kidney Injury Network review of the same criteria. Second, we cover the clinical and experimental utilization of novel biomarkers for diagnosis of acute kidney injury, giving special attention to neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin protein. The third area selected for review is outcomes of acute kidney injury during the past 10 years, described by a recent Australian epidemiological study. Finally, specific technical features of renal replacement therapies were examined in 2007, specifically regarding anticoagulation and vascular access.