Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the sudden loss of kidney function. Kidneys clean waste products from the blood and maintain fluid levels in the body.
Problems can happen:
AKI has many causes:
AKI is most common in older adults. Your chances are also higher if you have:
Most people do not have symptoms. In those that have them, AKI may cause:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You may also have:
Care depends on the cause of AKI and how serious it is. Care may involve:
Most AKI can not be prevented.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Kidney Foundation
Health Canada
The Kidney Foundation of Canada
Acute kidney injury. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/acute-kidney-injury-appr...h-to-the-patient. Updated May 31, 2019. Accessed September 13, 2019.
Acute kidney injury (AKI). Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/acute-kidney-injury/acute-kidney-injury-aki. Accessed September 13, 2019.
Kidney failure. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure. Accessed September 13, 2019.
Rahman M, Shad F, Smith MC. Acute kidney injury: a guide to diagnosis and management. Am Fam Physician. 2012;86(7):631-639.
Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.