A Pathophysiological Approach for Early Detection and Prevention of AKI in the NICU

This study aimed to summarize contemporary evidence on the definition, epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill and preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and to highlight prevention-focused strategies to improve outcomes. Narrative review of current literature evaluating AKI burden, diagnostic criteria, modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors, and preventive interventions in neonatal intensive care settings. AKI is common in critically ill and preterm infants and is associated with increased mortality, prolonged hospitalization, neurodevelopmental impairment, and progression to chronic kidney disease. Modified Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria have improved diagnostic consistency and revealed particularly high AKI prevalence in extremely low birth weight infants. Key modifiable risk factors include hemodynamic instability, patent ductus arteriosus, nephrotoxic drug exposure, fluid overload, and sepsis, while preventive strategies span optimized antenatal management, therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, careful postnatal hemodynamic and fluid management, nephrotoxic drug stewardship, early infection control, individualized ductus arteriosus therapy, and potential use of caffeine, alongside emerging urinary biomarkers for earlier detection. Given limited therapeutic options once AKI occurs, prevention through structured surveillance, timely identification of high-risk states, and rigorous implementation of kidney protective practices is essential. Integrating quality improvement, protocolized care pathways, and educational outreach within NICUs offers the greatest promise for improving short and long-term outcomes in infants with AKI. · Structured post-AKI monitoring and quality improvement protocols reduce AKI incidence.. · Nephrotoxic medication protocols reduce AKI through proactive monitoring and dose optimization.. · Neonatal AKI is common and serious; prevention via fluids, hemodynamics, and med stewardship is key..