[Renal protection in intensive care : Myths and facts]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and severe complication in patients on the intensive care unit with a significant impact on patient mortality, morbidity and costs of care; therefore, renal protective therapy is most important in these severely ill patients.

Many renal protective strategies have been postulated during the last decades, which are sometimes still in place as a kind of "myth" but which are not always proven by evidence-based "facts". The aim of this review is therefore to question and compare some of these "myths" with the available "facts".

Most important for renal protection is the early identification of patients at risk for AKI or with acute kidney damage before renal function deteriorates further. A stage-based management of AKI comprises more general measures, such as discontinuation of nephrotoxic agents and adjustment of diuretic doses but most importantly early hemodynamic stabilization with crystalloid volume replacement solutions and vasopressors, such as noradrenaline. The aim is to ensure optimal renal perfusion and perfusion pressure. Patients with known arterial hypertension potentially need higher perfusion pressures. Large amounts of hyperchloremic solutions should be avoided. Volume overload and renal vasodilatory substances can also lead to further deterioration of kidney function. There is still no specific pharmacological therapy for renal protection.