Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a serious medical condition when your kidneys suddenly stop working properly. There are many potential causes of Acute Kidney Injury, from dehydration to medication side effects. 

The kidneys are essential organs that filter waste materials and extra fluid from the blood, keep the electrolyte balance, and control blood pressure. Acute kidney injury happens when the kidneys’ ability to carry out these tasks adequately is compromised by harm or injury to the renal tissue.

Bansal Hospital Bhopal is the perfect choice if you need a top-quality hospital in central India specialising in treating kidney disorders. It provides the best care facilities with expert medical staff and technology.

This blog post will briefly summarise acute kidney injury’s causes, symptoms, and treatment options. This guide will help you understand what is happening and what steps you can take to manage it.

Table Of Contents 

1. Introduction To Acute Kidney Injury
2. Acute Kidney Injury Symptoms 
3. Acute Kidney Injury Treatment
4. Acute Kidney Injury Stages 
5. Acute Kidney Injury Diagnosis 
6. Icd-9 Code For Acute Kidney Injury 
7. Expert Advice
8. The Final Say 
9. FAQs 

Introduction To Acute Kidney Injury 

A frequent and deadly medical illness called acute kidney injury (AKI), earlier known as acute renal failure, is characterised by a fast decline in kidney function.  Acute kidney injury is a potentially fatal disorder that can affect persons of any age and, if not identified and treated right once, can cause considerable morbidity and mortality.

There Are Three Main Types Of Acute Kidney Injury.

1. Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury 

The kidneys’ blood flow is decreased in this form, which results in AKI. Dehydration, severe bleeding, heart failure, or severe infections that lower blood volume or blood pressure could cause it.

2. Intrinsic Acute Kidney Injury 

It entails injury to the kidney’s tissue. For example, acute tubular necrosis (ATN), which is frequently the result of prolonged low blood flow or toxic kidney injury from drugs, contrast dyes, or particular poisons, is one illness that can cause it.

Acute Kidney Injury Symptoms 

The significant symptoms of acute kidney injury based on the underlying cause and severity of the ailment are:

1. Reduced Urine Production
2. Swelling And Fluid Retention
3. Weakness And Generalised Fatigue
4. Confusion And Altered Mental Status
5. Vomiting And Nausea
6. Breathing Difficulties

Acute Kidney Injury Diagnosis 

A physical exam, blood testing, imaging scans, and a medical history evaluation are used to diagnose acute kidney injury. The diagnostic process aims to determine the underlying cause of AKI, gauge the seriousness of kidney damage, and provide the most suitable course of action.

1. Medical History Review And Physical Exam

During the patient’s medical history review, the healthcare professional will look for known risk factors or conditions that may lead to AKI, such as recent illnesses, drugs, surgeries, or nephrotoxic substances. During an AKI, a physical exam may be conducted to look for signs of fluid retention, electrolyte imbalances, or other related symptoms.

2. Laboratory Tests

A. Blood Tests

Measuring serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels is necessary to diagnose acute kidney injury. Increases in these levels denote deteriorated kidney health. 

B.Urine Tests

Analysing urine samples allows for the evaluation of kidney function, and the identification of potential AKI causes. 

3. Imaging Studies

A. Renal Ultrasound

It can be used to examine the shape and size of the kidneys, spot obstructions or other abnormalities in the urinary tract, and gauge blood flow to the kidneys.

B. Additional Imaging Techniques 

In some circumstances, specialists may request additional imaging tests like computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide a more thorough picture of the kidneys or urinary system.

4. Additional Tests

A. Kidney Biopsy

A kidney biopsy helps to determine the underlying cause of acute kidney disorder, mainly if the diagnosis is still unclear or if it is believed that particular kidney disease is to blame.

B. Other Specialised Tests

Depending on the autoimmune or infectious illness serologies, medication level assessments or genetic testing may be carried out in addition to the above tests.

Acute Kidney Injury Treatment 

The underlying cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), sustaining kidney function, and avoiding complications are the main goals of treatment. Here are a few typical treatment methods:

1. Treatment Of The Underlying Cause

Recognising and treating the AKI’s underlying causes is critical. This may entail managing infections, controlling fluid and electrolyte imbalances, stopping or changing kidney-harming drugs, correcting any blockages in the urinary system, or managing diseases.

2. Fluid Balance

A sufficient fluid balance is essential in treating AKI. In some circumstances, intravenous fluids may be given to ensure appropriate hydration and improve blood flow to the kidneys. 

3. Medication Modifications

Depending on the underlying aetiology of AKI, some drugs may need to be changed or stopped altogether. For instance, if nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause AKI, they may be discontinued. In some circumstances, diuretics may boost urine production and control fluid balance.

4. Management Of Electrolytes

Acute kidney injury can cause the body’s electrolyte levels to fluctuate. Adjusting your diet or using medication may be necessary to regain equilibrium.

5. Nutrition Support

Patients with AKI need to eat correctly. Dietary restrictions may be necessary to control fluid and electrolyte imbalances, depending on the severity of AKI. In extreme circumstances, enteral or parenteral nutrition supplementation may be required.

6. Dialysis

It may be necessary in cases of severe AKI where the kidneys cannot efficiently filter waste and extra fluid from circulation. Using a machine to remove debris, toxins, and excess fluid from the blood is known as dialysis. While the kidneys are recovering, it helps to support renal function temporarily.

Acute Kidney Injury Stages 

Different staging criteria are employed in clinical practice; however, the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification is frequently utilised. 

Three phases make up the KDIGO staging system:

Stage 1

The kidney function decreases slightly, and there may be an increase in waste products in the blood. However, patients usually do not experience any symptoms.

Stage 2

In this, kidney function decreases further, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and swelling in the legs or feet.

Stage 3

At this stage, the kidney function has significantly decreased, and patients may experience severe symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain. Treatment for AKI depends on the severity of the condition and may include medication or dialysis. Early detection and treatment of AKI are important to prevent further complications.

ICD-9 Code For Acute Kidney Injury 

The ICD-9 code for acute kidney injury is 584.9. This code is used to identify cases of acute kidney injury, which is a sudden loss of kidney function that a variety of factors, such as dehydration, infection, or medication toxicity, can cause. 

This code helps healthcare providers accurately document and track cases of acute kidney injury, which can inform treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.

Expert Advice 

Management of fluid intake: Depending on the level of AKI and the patient’s urine production, fluid intake may need to be changed. In some circumstances, limiting fluid intake may be necessary to maintain fluid balance and avoid fluid overload.

Limiting sodium consumption can help you manage fluid retention and blood pressure. This frequently entails consuming fewer canned goods, processed foods, and sauces with a lot of sodium.

The Final Say 

Proper diet controls problems and promotes recovery after acute kidney injury (AKI). Intake of sodium and potassium may be restricted. Each person’s protein should be assessed. If levels are high, phosphorus restriction may be required. Energy should be satisfied through caloric intake. Supplementing with vitamins and minerals may be advised. It’s crucial to assess and make modifications regularly.

If you are looking for treatment for acute kidney injury, the nephrology department of Bansal Hospital Bhopal can help. They have a team of experienced doctors and staff who can provide you with the best possible care and treatment. So, if you suffer from acute kidney injury or any other related condition, don’t hesitate to contact them for assistance. They are always ready to help and provide support to those in need.

FAQs 

1. What are the common causes of acute kidney injury?

The common causes of acute kidney injury are:

1. Dehydration
2. Low blood pressure
3. Heart failure 

2. What are the symptoms of acute kidney injury?

The major symptoms of acute kidney injury are:

1. Reduced urine production
2. Oedema in the legs, ankles, or face
3. Weariness
4. Confusion
5. Nausea or vomiting
6. Shortness of breath
7. Chest pain

3. How is acute kidney injury diagnosed?

The diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) is made through:

1. Physical examination
2. Medical history review
3. Laboratory tests (such as urine and serum creatinine analyses)
4. Imaging techniques (such as renal ultrasonography).

4. What are the treatment options for acute kidney injury?

The severity of the ailment and the underlying cause influence the available treatments for acute kidney injury (AKI). The causes may be addressed, the fluid and electrolyte balance managed, the blood pressure optimised, the supportive care given, and renal replacement therapy (dialysis) may be necessary for extreme situations.

About Bansal Hospital

Bansal Hospital is a multispeciality hospital and is one of the leading, reputable and reliable healthcare providers trusted by patients and their families across the region. It has all the major departments, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, urology, liver transplant, bone marrow transplantation, nephrology, gynaecology and more. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and technology. It has a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors and medical staff who provide round-the-clock care to the patient.

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