Risk Stratification for Targeted AKI Prevention After Surgery: Biomarkers and Bundled Interventions

Perioperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is a surgery-associated complication with increasing incidence, not only because of enhanced awareness for the diagnosis, but also as a result of the aging society with a growing number of severe comorbidities undergoing major surgical procedures. The dilemma of AKI as a global health burden lies in the discrepancy between its importance as a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality, and the unavailability of specific therapies to modify these adverse outcomes. Thus, it is all the more important to focus management on AKI prevention, and when AKI occurs to focus on early recognition and immediate adaption of individualized care. AKI is the result of an inter-relationship between patient susceptibility and determinants of perioperative exposures. Screening for constellations of risk factors along with measurement of novel biomarkers allows for early identification of patients who are susceptible to AKI and to initiate early targeted care. Targeted care involves implementation of a bundle of interventions adapted from a consensus management guideline, and is a strategy with growing evidence of a beneficial effect on patients' short- and long-term outcomes.