5. Acute Kidney Injury Flashcards
What is the clinical definition of Acute Kidney Injury?
Rapid reduction in Kidney function (hours to days) characterised by High Creatinine and/or Low Urine output
- Rise in Serum Creatinine of > 26 umol/L in 48 hours
OR
- 1.5-1.9 x Increase in Serum Creatinine known to have happened in the last 7 days
OR
- 6 hours of Oliguria (Urine Output of <0.5 ml/kg/hour)
What patients are at risk of getting AKI?
- Elderly
- CKD (eGFR < 60ml/min/1.73 m^2)
- Cardiac Disease
- Liver Disease
- Diabetes
- Vascular Disease
- Nephrotoxic Medication
What is the Main Acronym to manage AKI?
Sepsis: Find the infection (if there is one) and treat it
Toxicity: Avoid medications that harm the Kidneys
Optimising BP
Parenchymal Disease
What are the 4Ms to prevent AKI?
- Monitor (BP/Fluids/Blood)
- Maintain circulation (Hydration/Resus/Oxygenation)
- Minimise Renal Insults
- Nephrotoxic meds
- Iodinated Contrast
- HAIs - Manage acute illnesses appropriately
How do we maintain fluids in AKI?
Assess the volume status (Standing/Supine)
- HR
- JVP
- Cap Refill
- Conscious Level
- Lactate
- Weight
If they are HypoVol, give bolus fluids (250-500 ml) and review
If 2+ Litres are given and underperfused, give circulatory support
Why is too much fluid harmful in AKI?
Pulmonary oedema
Delayed recovery
For a euvolemic patient with AKI, how should you manage them?
Give maintenance fluids: Estimated Daily output + 500 mL
What fluids are best suited for AKI patients?
Isotonic Fluids (Plasmalyte/Hartmann’s): Containing Potassium (5 mmol/L)
0.9% Saline: But can worsen Metabolic Acidosis if large volumes used
Colloids: High molecular weight starches (HES)
- Dextran can worsen AKI
How do we monitor and Manage AKI?
- Urinary Catheter + Hourly input/output
- U+Es, Bone Profile, Venous Bicarbonate
- Blood Gases
- Lactate
- Regular Fluid assessment
- Daily weights
How do we investigate AKI?
- Urine Dip (PCR if protein is present)
- US Scan < 24 hours
- 6 hours if Pyonephrosis is suspected - Inflam Markers (CK/LFTs)
- Blood Film/LDH/Reticulocyte count
- HUS/TTP/Acc HTN with MAHA
- If Platelets are low
What 8 things can be investigated in AKI in the blood?
- Serum protein electrophoresis/Bence Jones Protein (Myeloma)
- Blood and Protein +++ on dip
- HIV/HCV/IgG/HepB
- ANCA
- Anti-GMB
- Complements
- Rheumatoid Factor
- ANA/ENAs
What does the Bence Jones Protein indicate in the urine?
Multiple Myeloma
If there is blood and protein +++ on dip, what can be suspected?
Acute Glomerulonephritis
What do we do whilst supporting AKI recovery?
- Treat Sepsis
- Maintains Perfusion
- Stop NSAIDs, ACE, ARB, Metformin, PSD/Adjust drug doses
- Stop antihypertensives if hypotensive
- Minimise iodinated contrast
Why is Calcium gluconate given to AKI patients?
If their ECG changes and to reduce the risk of Myocardial Arrhythmias