Epidemiological Study of Acute Kidney Injury in Intensive Care Unit: Evolution and Prognosis

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and serious complication in intensive care units (ICUs).
• AKI can lead to severe outcomes, including mortality and long-term kidney impairment.
• Understanding the progression and risk factors of AKI is vital for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of AKI in ICU patients.
• To investigate the progression of renal function following an AKI episode.
• To identify risk factors associated with the progression of AKI to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Main Methods:

• A multicentric, prospective, descriptive study was conducted over six months in the ICUs of Ibn Rochd University Hospital.
• 102 incident cases of AKI, defined by AKI Network criteria, were included.
• Patient evolution was monitored during hospitalization and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-discharge.

Main Results:

• The median age of patients was 45.2 years, with 52% females. 28.4% were oligo-anuric, and 54.8% had multivisceral failure.
• Common AKI etiologies included dehydration, sepsis, and tumor obstruction. 25.5% of patients required dialysis.
• At hospital discharge, mortality was 35%, renal function recovery was 22%, progression to chronicity was 38%, and ESRD was 5%.

Conclusions:

• AKI is a significant risk factor for CKD and long-term mortality.
• Progression to CKD and ESRD was observed to increase within the first two years post-AKI.
• Age, hypertension, comorbidities, multivisceral failure, and AKI severity are key risk factors for CKD progression.