Acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is defined by a sudden loss of excretory kidney function. AKI is part of a range of conditions summarized as acute kidney diseases and disorders (AKD), in which slow deterioration of kidney function or persistent kidney dysfunction is associated with an irreversible loss of kidney cells and nephrons, which can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). New biomarkers to identify injury before function loss await clinical implementation. AKI and AKD are a global concern. In low-income and middle-income countries, infections and hypovolaemic shock are the predominant causes of AKI. In high-income countries, AKI mostly occurs in elderly patients who are in hospital, and is related to sepsis, drugs or invasive procedures. Infection and trauma-related AKI and AKD are frequent in all regions. The large spectrum of AKI implies diverse pathophysiological mechanisms. AKI management in critical care settings is challenging, including appropriate volume control, nephrotoxic drug management, and the timing and type of kidney support. Fluid and electrolyte management are essential. As AKI can be lethal, kidney replacement therapy is frequently required. AKI has a poor prognosis in critically ill patients. Long-term consequences of AKI and AKD include CKD and cardiovascular morbidity. Thus, prevention and early detection of AKI are essential.

EDTAKI: A Nephrology and Public Policy Committee (NPPC) Platform Call for More European Involvement in AKI

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is an often neglected but crucial element of clinical nephrology. The aim of the Nephrology Public Policy Committee (NPPC) of the European Renal Association - European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) is to promote several key aspects of European nephrology. One of the targets proposed by NPPC was to advance European nephrology involvement in AKI. We undertook literature analyses to define the current position of European nephrology in the field of AKI compared to other regions, and about how different European countries compare to each other. It appeared that vis-à-vis countries with a comparable socio-economic status (the US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada), the European contribution was almost 50% lower. Within Europe, Central/Eastern Europe and countries with a lower gross domestic product (GDP) showed lower scientific output. Nephrologists contributed to less than half of the output. There was no trend for a change over the last decade. It is concluded that there is room to improve the contribution of European nephrology in the field of AKI. We propose a model on how to promote clinical collaboration on AKI across Europe, the creation of a pan-European nephrology network of interested units is proposed, to improve clinical outcomes, increase nephrologist involvement and awareness outside nephrology, and stimulate research on AKI in Europe. Accordingly, we also propose a list of research priorities and stress the need for more European funding of AKI research.

Nephrology and Public Policy Committee propositions to stimulate research collaboration in adults and children in Europe

The strengths and the limitations of research activities currently present in Europe are explored in order to outline how to proceed in the near future. Epidemiological and clinical research and public policy in Europe are generally considered to be comprehensive and successful, and the European Renal Association – European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA) is playing a key role in the field of nephrology research. The Nephrology and Public Policy Committee (NPPC) aims to improve the current situation and translation into public policy by planning eight research topics to be supported in the coming 5 years by ERA-EDTA.