Survival akin to injury, hospitalized patients with acute kidney injury based on the AKIN classification

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is often associated with severe consequences. The aim of the study was to determine whether the acute kidney injury network classification predicts hospital stay, renal recovery and mortality.

Hospitalized patients who were referred to the nephrology service over 6 months were studied retrospective with further 12 months prospective follow up. Statistical analysis was performed on their demography and outcome.

Among the 238 patients who were referred, 166 had AKI, median age 74 years and 32% were diabetics. 10% (n = 17) required acute renal replacement therapy. The overall all-cause mortality of AKI group (n = 166) compared to non-AKI group (n = 72) at 1 year was 55% as opposed to 27.8% (p < 0.001). There was a significant statistical difference in the composite outcome and survival between the AKI stages in terms of renal recovery (p = 0.018). The AKI group had a median 8 day increase in length of stay compared to the non-AKI group (20 vs. 12 days; p = 0.0175). However, there was no significant statistical difference between pre and post admission AKI (p value = 0.191).

The AKIN staging of AKI predicts both early and late mortality. AKI has a major impact on inpatient and 1-year-survival, renal recovery and length of stay. AKI and renal recovery following the insult were independent prognosticators. Early identification and management of AKI cases can help to prevent progression of the severity of AKI and therefore, mandates timely referral to nephrology team to prevent progression of AKIN class and its consequences.