Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the leading cause of nephrology consultation and is associated with high mortality rates. It encompasses a wide spectrum of injury to the kidneys, not just kidney failure. An underlying feature is a rapid decline in Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) usually associated with decreases in renal blood flow. This NICE guideline outlines the essential management of AKI.
Acute kidney injury is seen in 13–18% of all people admitted to a hospital, with older adults being particularly affected. These patients are usually under the care of healthcare professionals practising in specialties other than nephrology, who may not always be familiar with the optimum care of patients with acute kidney injury. The number of inpatients affected by acute kidney injury means that it has a major impact on healthcare resources. Key priorities for implementation The following…
