Recent research has provided important insights on the long-term outcomes of patients who develop acute kidney injury (AKI) in the setting of critical illness. Large epidemiologic studies have demonstrated compelling associations between episodes of AKI and progressive kidney disease and death, respectively, although such studies do not establish causality due to the potential for confounding. Whether AKI is intrinsically toxic or a mere by-product of serious comorbidities (e.g. prior chronic kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes), there is no doubt that AKI survivors are a high-risk group who would likely benefit from close post-discharge follow-up. Recent studies have shown that a minority of patients with AKI receive specialized nephrology follow-up after discharge, suggesting an opportunity for quality improvement. Emerging research is evaluating factors that predict chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, and death among AKI survivors. This work will, it is hoped, suggest new targets for prevention and treatment, with the goal of enhancing the likelihood of recovery following AKI.
Association of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease with processes of care and long-term outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction
