ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY Flashcards
Q: When we say AKI, what structures in the kidney are affected?
A: This is a trick question. There are no affected structures of the kidney in AKI, YET. AKI is a clinical diagnosis, not a structural diagnosis. In acute stages, the structures are normal. If the condition persists, that’s the time structural damages will occur.
Q: What is the definition of AKI according to creatinine levels?
A: AKI is defined by any of the following:
1) An increase of >0.3mg/dL or of >50% developing over <48hrs
2) Urine volume < 0.5 mL/kg/h for 6 hours.
Q: What does the Rifle Criteria say about the reversibility of AKI?
A: In the Rifle Criteria, stages RIF (Risk, Injury, and Failure) are still reversible. Once you reach Loss, there may be complete loss of renal function lasting more than four weeks.
Q: What is the main difference between the RIFLE criteria and AKIN classification?
A: The RIFLE criteria include GFR criteria, while the AKIN classification does not. AKIN focuses only on serum creatinine and urine output.
Q: At what stage of AKIN is renal replacement therapy (RRT) typically indicated?
A: Renal replacement therapy (usually hemodialysis) is indicated in AKIN stage 3 or if the patient’s condition worsens.
Q: What defines Stage 1 AKI based on serum creatinine and urine output?
A: Serum creatinine 1.5 to 1.9 times baseline OR increase by ≥26 μmol/L (≥0.3 mg/dL); Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/h for 6-12 hours.
Q: What defines Stage 2 AKI based on serum creatinine and urine output?
A: Serum creatinine 2 to 2.9 times baseline; Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/h for ≥12 hours.
Q: What defines Stage 3 AKI based on serum creatinine and urine output?
A: Serum creatinine increase ≥3.0 times baseline OR increase to ≥354 μmol/L (≥4.0 mg/dL) OR initiation of RRT; Urine output <0.3 mL/kg/h for ≥24 hours or anuria for ≥12 hours.
Q: What is the duration criterion that differentiates AKI from CKD?
A: AKI is <3 months duration, while CKD is >3 months duration.
Q: What are some radiologic differences between AKI and CKD?
A: In CKD, renal size is smaller, cortical thickness is reduced (usually <1 cm), and echogenicity appears lighter (gray) compared to normal kidneys.
Q: How does the trend of serum creatinine differ between AKI and CKD?
A: In AKI, serum creatinine rises more precipitously and acutely. In CKD, the increase is gradual.
Q: What is the relationship between serum creatinine and GFR?
A: Serum creatinine is a late marker of kidney function. Significant GFR reduction (about 75% nephron loss) occurs before creatinine rises noticeably.
Q: What are potential causes of increased BUN without AKI?
A: Increased BUN can occur due to:
1) Increased protein intake
2) Gastrointestinal bleeding
3) Catabolic states
4) Corticosteroids or tetracycline use.
Q: What are potential causes of increased serum creatinine without AKI?
A: Causes include:
1) Inhibition of tubular creatinine secretion (e.g., trimethoprim, cimetidine)
2) Lab assay interference (e.g., cephalosporins, ketones)
3) Increased muscle activity.
Q: What are the key pathophysiological mechanisms involved in AKI?
A: AKI involves microvascular compartment changes, innate immunity activation, and acute tubular necrosis, leading to temporary, partial, or permanent GFR loss.
Q: What is an example of extrarenal factors causing AKI?
A: Hemodynamic alterations like decreased cardiac output, low blood pressure, and systemic proinflammatory conditions can initiate or exacerbate AKI.
Q: What is the main source of serum creatinine?
A: Serum creatinine primarily comes from muscle metabolism.
Q: What is the typical urine output threshold for diagnosing anuria?
A: Anuria is defined as urine output <400 mL in 12 hours or longer.
Q: What is the definition of AKI based on serum creatinine levels in RIFLE?
A: An increase of >50% developing over <7 days.
Q: What is the definition of AKI based on serum creatinine levels in AKIN?
A: An increase of ≥0.3 mg/dL or >50% developing over <48 hours.
Q: What is the definition of AKI based on serum creatinine levels in KDIGO?
A: An increase of ≥0.3 mg/dL developing over <48 hours, or an increase of >50% developing over <7 days.
Q: What is the definition of AKI based on urine output in RIFLE?
A: Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/hr for >6 hours.
Q: What is the definition of AKI based on urine output in AKIN?
A: Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/hr for >6 hours.
Q: What is the definition of AKI based on urine output in KDIGO?
A: Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/hr for >6 hours.