Abstract
Background
Acute kidney injury (AKI) in hip fracture patients is associated with morbidity, mortality, and increased length of stay. To avoid this our unit policy recommends maintenance crystalloid IV fluids of >62.5 mL/Hr for hip fracture patients. However, audits have shown that many patients still receive inadequate IV fluids.
Methods
Three prospective audits, each including 100 consecutive acute hip fracture patients aged >55, were completed with interventional measures employed between each cycle. Data collection points included details of IV fluid administration and pre/post-operative presence of AKI. Interventions between cycles included a revised checklist for admissions with a structured ward round tool for post-take ward round and various educational measures for Emergency Department, nursing and admitting team staff with dissemination of infographic posters, respectively.
Results
Cycle 1: 64/100 (64%) patients received adequate fluids. No significant difference in developing AKI post operatively was seen in patients given adequate fluids (2/64, 3.1%) compared to inadequate fluids (4/36, 11.1%; p = 0.107). More patients with pre-operative AKI demonstrated resolution of AKI with appropriate fluid prescription (5/6, 83.3%, vs 0/4, 0%, p < 0.05) Cycle 2: Fewer patients were prescribed adequate fluids (54/100, 54%). There was no significant difference in terms of developing AKI post operatively between patients with adequate fluids (4/54, 7.4%) or inadequate fluids (2/46, 4.3%; p = 0.52). Resolution of pre-operative AKI was similar in patients with adequate or inadequate fluid administration (4/6, 67% vs 2/2, 100%). Cycle 3: More patients received adequate fluids (79/100, 79%, p < 0.05). Patients prescribed adequate fluids were less likely to develop post-operative AKI than those receiving inadequate fluids (2/79, 2.5% vs 3/21, 14.3%; p < 0.05).
Discussion
This audit demonstrates the importance of administering appropriate IV fluid in hip fracture patients to avoid AKI. Improving coordination with Emergency Department and ward nursing/medical ward staff was a critical step in improving our unit’s adherence to policy.
Rule Out Acute Kidney Injury in the Emergency Department With a Urinary Dipstick
