Current therapeutic strategies for acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by a rapid decrease in kidney function and increased serum creatinine. The term acute renal failure (ARF) has been applied to such clinical manifestations. Despite several advances in the treatment of ARF, such as pharmacologic treatment and renal replacement therapy (RRT), the mortality rate among patients with ARF has changed little over the past four decades. It is widely recognized that ARF is associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality especially in critically ill patients with ARF requiring RRT. Therefore, in order to improve outcomes in ARF patients, a new concept of AKI has been proposed. Recently the paradigm shift from ARF to AKI has been received by the research and clinical communities. In this review we will discuss the therapeutic strategies for AKI and focus on its management with an emphasis on RRT.