The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

KDIGO Definition, Staging, and Management

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)?

AKI per KDIGO is increase in serum creatinine by >=0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours, or >=1.5x baseline within 7 days, or urine output <0.5 mL/kg/h for >6 hours.

Etiologies divide into pre-renal (hypoperfusion), intrinsic (ATN, AIN, glomerular), and post-renal (obstruction).

Severity is graded stage 1-3 by creatinine rise and urine output; stage 3 includes need for renal replacement therapy.

AKI confers substantial short- and long-term mortality and increases risk of progression to CKD.

Symptoms

Reduced urine output (oliguria) or anuria
Lower extremity edema or pulmonary congestion from volume overload
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
Confusion, drowsiness, or asterixis in uremia
Flank pain in obstructive etiology
Hypotension, tachycardia, or sepsis signs in pre-renal AKI

Risk Factors

Older age, pre-existing CKD, and diabetes
Sepsis, major surgery, and critical illness
Exposure to nephrotoxins (contrast, aminoglycosides, NSAIDs, vancomycin)
Heart failure, cirrhosis, or hypovolemia
Urinary tract obstruction (stones, prostate, malignancy)
Rhabdomyolysis, tumor lysis, or glomerular disease

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Acute decrease in urine output or rapid creatinine rise
  • Volume overload, hyperkalemia, or acidosis on labs
  • Hemodynamic instability, confusion, or flank pain with anuria

Treatment Methods

01
Identify and treat underlying cause — restore perfusion, drain obstruction, stop nephrotoxins
02
Optimize volume status: judicious fluids in pre-renal, diuresis for overload
03
Avoid contrast and nephrotoxic medications; adjust drug dosing to renal function
04
Manage electrolyte and acid-base disturbances, especially hyperkalemia
05
Consider renal replacement therapy for refractory volume overload, acidosis, electrolytes, or uremia
06
Close monitoring of urine output, creatinine, and vital signs; nephrology consultation in stage 2-3

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.