Risk factors, mortality and acute kidney injury outcomes in cirrhotic patients in the emergency department

Study of prevalence, risk factors for acute kidney injury, and mortality in liver cirrhosis patients

INTRODUCTION

Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs frequently in patients with end-stage liver disease and cirrhosis and is associated with increased short-term mortality. This study aims to study the prevalence and risk factors associated with AKI development and mortality in cirrhosis of liver patients.

METHODOLOGY

In the current prospective study, hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis from October 2021 to March 2023 were recruited. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected, which included, the etiology of cirrhosis, comorbidities, severity of liver disease, and relevant biochemical parameters. The patient was followed up for 90 days to record the clinical outcome. The statistical software SPSS was utilized to conduct the analysis.

RESULTS

Of 364 liver cirrhosis patients, 25.2% (n, 92) had AKI and belonged to an average age of 51.54 ± 11.82 years. The majority of individuals in the study were males (90.4%), and alcohol (63.4%) was the most common etiology of liver cirrhosis. The present study showed that higher level of direct bilirubin (p = 0.011) and MELD score (p = 0.0001) were identified as significant risk factors for AKI development in patients with liver cirrhosis. Regarding mortality, the significant risk factors were the presence of AKI (p = 0.045) and MELD score (p = 0.025). Among AKI patients, 90-day mortality rates were higher in patients with acute tubular necrosis (p value = 0.010) and stage 3 AKI (p value = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

AKI is common in cirrhosis of liver patients. Elevated levels of direct bilirubin and MELD score emerged as significant factors associated with AKI development. Furthermore, AKI and MELD scores were identified as independent risk factors for mortality at both 30 and 90 days. Survival rates were influenced by both the type and stage of AKI; AKI stage 3 and ATN patients had significantly higher mortality rate. Early AKI detection and management are crucial for reducing mortality risk in liver cirrhosis patients.

Incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury in cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 5,202,232 outpatients, inpatients, and ICU-admitted patients

INTRODUCTION

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a commonly seen condition in the natural course of cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pooled incidence and risk factors of AKI in different clinical stages and situations in patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

Search was conducted on 13 December 2023 across MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane databases. Meta-analysis was performed using a generalized linear mixed model.

RESULTS

In total, 73 studies with 5,202,232 patients were finally enrolled in the meta-analysis. AKI commonly occurs among hospitalized cirrhotics experiencing any decompensation event (29%) as well as among stable outpatients (28%) throughout a 1-year follow-up period. On admission, patients with infection or sepsis/septic shock had the highest AKI rate (47%), followed by those with hepatic encephalopathy (41%). Furthermore, the severity of liver disease proved to be a substantial driver for AKI development, while patients at intensive care unit had the greatest AKI incidence (61%).

CONCLUSIONS

Both hospitalized patients and stable outpatients with cirrhosis exhibited an elevated susceptibility to AKI. Patients at intensive care unit and those with severe liver disease, infection, sepsis/septic shock, hepatic encephalopathy, or acute on chronic liver failure upon admission are at higher risk for AKI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, registered 09/12/23, CRD42023487736.

Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Hospitalized With Liver Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) frequently occurs in hospitalized individuals with liver cirrhosis and represents a significant risk factor for early in-hospital mortality, holding crucial clinical and prognostic importance. The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the risk factors associated with AKI in hospitalized individuals with cirrhosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in concordance with guidelines provided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. Two independent researchers systematically searched major databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE, from January 2015 until December 2023. A total of 14 studies were included in this meta-analysis, of which six were prospective, and the remaining were retrospective. Of the 9,659 cirrhosis patients in the 14 included studies, 3,968 had developed AKI with a pooled incidence of 41% (95% confidence interval = 34-47%). Our findings showed that a high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, infection, high Child-Pugh-Turcotte stage score, high serum creatinine, high serum bilirubin, and low serum albumin were significantly associated with high incidence of AKI in liver cirrhosis patients. The results emphasize the importance of vigilant monitoring in cirrhosis patients to detect any indications of AKI, followed by meticulous and attentive management.

Iodixanol-associated acute kidney injury and prognosis in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention: a prospective, multi-center study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate iodixanol-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) and prognosis in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

Patients undergoing elective PCI and iodixanol administration were prospectively enrolled in 8 centers between May 2020 and November 2021. The primary endpoint was AKI, defined as an increase in SCr of ≥ 0.3 mg/dL (26.4 μmol/L) or relative elevation ≥ 50% from baseline in the 48-72 h after PCI. Prognosis evaluations included the major adverse renal and cardiovascular events (MARCE): all-cause mortality, new-onset renal replacement therapy (NRRT), non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke. AKI predictors were identified using multivariable logistic regression and associations between AKI and outcomes were examined using Cox regression.

RESULTS

A total of 3630 patients were included in the final analysis and 2.9% of patients (107/3,630) suffered AKI. Among them, 95.3% (102/107) of AKI were stage 1, and 4.6% (5/107) of stage 2. The multivariable analysis indicated that age over 75-year-old, diabetes, NT-pro-BNP > 300 pg/mL, hemoglobin < 110 g/L, eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2, and diuretics were independently associated with AKI (p < 0.05). After a median follow-up of 13 months, MARCE occurred in 3.6% (131/3630) of the study population, and their incidence was higher in AKI (9.4%, 10/107) vs. non-AKI patients (3.4%, 121/3,523). However, after multivariable adjustment, there was no statistically significant association between AKI and MARCE (p = 0.382).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing elective PCI, cases of iodixanol-associated AKI were mostly mild and, after multivariable adjustment, held no statistically significant association with MARCE on mid-term follow-up.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

The incidence of iodixanol-associated AKI was low and mainly limited to mild renal impairment in patients undergoing elective PCI. Physicians should provide adequate contrast for coronary artery evaluation and, at the same time, minimize the contrast volume.

KEY POINTS

• The incidence of iodixanol-associated acute kidney injury was low and mostly limited to mild renal impairment. • Iodixanol administration had no statistically significant impact on the major adverse renal and cardiovascular events in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

Determinants of Short-term Mortality in Liver Cirrhosis with Acute Kidney Injury: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in 20-50% of patients with cirrhosis and is associated with a poor prognosis. The aim of the study is to identify the baseline factors affecting mortality in these patients at 30 and 90 days. Methods: We enrolled 117 patients with cirrhosis and AKI and followed them up prospectively. Results: Distribution of International club of ascites AKI stages was: 26 (22.03%) stage 1, 59 (50%) stage 2, and 33 (28%) stage 3. Mortalities at 30 and 90 days were 27 (22.8%) and 33 (27.9%) respectively. On multivariate analysis, variables affecting mortality at 30 days were serum creatinine level>2 mg% at 48 hours after AKI development (adjusted OR 7.93, P=0.02) and leukocytosis (total leucocyte count>11000/mm3 ) at admission (adjusted OR 6.54, P=0.002). Only leukocytosis at admission was a predictor of 90 days mortality (adjusted OR 4.76, P=0.01). Though not statistically significant, patients not responding to standard medical treatment had 3 times higher mortality at 30 days, while the maximum AKI stages (2 and 3) had eight times higher mortality at 90 days. Conclusion: In cirrhosis, AKI increases short-term mortality. High serum creatinine at 48 hours affects mortality at 30 days, while leukocytosis at baseline predicts mortality at 30 and 90 days. Progression to a higher AKI stage impacts prognosis.

Factors predicting mortality in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis visiting the emergency department

Liver cirrhosis (LC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is becoming a regional and healthcare burden. South Korea is one of the 10 countries with the highest age standardized prevalence of decompensated LC. Moreover, the proportion of patients with alcoholic LC is increasing and there has been no decrease in the incidence of decompensated alcoholic LC. Patients with decompensated LC frequently visit the emergency department (ED). Several studies focused on patients with LC who visited the ED, but the studies about alcoholic LC were limited. This study aimed to identify predicting factors for mortality in alcoholic LC patients visiting the ED. This was a retrospective study of alcoholic LC patients who visited an ED between November 2017 and June 2021. The baseline characteristics, complications of LC, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and laboratory values including lactate were assessed. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. In total, 433 patients with alcoholic LC were included for analysis and the in hospital mortality rate was 15.9% (n = 69). Univariate regression analyses identified that MELD score, lactate, platelet, international normalized ratio, bilirubin, creatinine, albumin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) predicted in-hospital mortality. Multivariate regression analysis showed that MELD score, lactate, albumin, and CRP were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. MELD score, lactate, albumin, and CRP predicted the mortality in alcoholic LC patients visiting the ED.

Impact of acute kidney injury on the risk of mortality in patients with cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To compare the risk of mortality in patients with cirrhosis with and without the associated acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods

We performed a systematic search in the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases for observational studies that were done on patients with cirrhosis. Eligible studies reported AKI in patients with cirrhosis and compared mortality among patients with and without AKI. We used a random-effects model, using STATA version 16.0, for deriving pooled effect sizes that were reported as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Thirty-two studies were included. In patients with cirrhosis, AKI was significantly associated with higher in-hospital mortality (OR 5.92), and mortality at 30 days (OR 4.78), 90 days (OR 4.34), and at 1 year follow-up (OR 4.82) compared to patients without AKI.

Conclusions

AKI is associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Careful monitoring to identify the development of AKI and early prompt management is necessary.

SOFA Score Plus Impedance Ratio Predicts Mortality in Critically Ill Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department: Retrospective Observational Study

Background: The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) is a scoring system used for the evaluation of disease severity and prognosis of critically ill patients. The impedance ratio (Imp-R) is a novel mortality predictor. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the combination of the SOFA + Imp-R in the prediction of mortality in critically ill patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed in adult patients with acute illness admitted to the ED of a tertiary-care referral center. Baseline SOFA score and bioelectrical impedance analysis to obtain the Imp-R were performed within the first 24 h after admission to the ED. A Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the mortality risk of the initial SOFA score plus the Imp-R. Harrell’s C-statistic and decision curve analyses (DCA) were performed. Results: Out of 325 patients, 240 were included for analysis. Overall mortality was 31.3%. Only 21.3% of non-surviving patients died after hospital discharge, and 78.4% died during their hospital stay. Of the latter, 40.6% died in the ED. The SOFA and Imp-R values were higher in non-survivors and were significantly associated with mortality in all models. The combination of the SOFA + Imp-R significantly predicted 30-day mortality, in-hospital mortality, and ED mortality with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80 (95% CI: 74–0.86), 0.79 (95% CI: 0.74–0.86) and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.66–0.84), respectively. The DCA showed that combining the SOFA + Imp-R improved the prediction of mortality through the lower risk thresholds. Conclusions: The addition of the Imp-R to the baseline SOFA score on admission to the ED improves mortality prediction in severely acutely ill patients admitted to the ED.

Value of Acute Kidney Injury in Predicting Mortality in Vietnamese Patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis

Background: Acute kidney injury remains a common complication with a poor prognosis, and is a significant predictor of mortality in cirrhosis patients. We aimed to determine the percentage of acute kidney injury in decompensated cirrhosis patients and evaluate the treatment results of acute kidney injury as well as several factors related to the mortality of decompensated cirrhosis patients. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on decompensated cirrhosis patients in Can Tho City, Vietnam, from 2019 to 2020. Decompensated cirrhosis patients were found to have acute kidney injury on admission by a blood creatinine test. They were treated according to ICA 2015 standards, after which they were monitored and evaluated for treatment outcomes during hospitalization. Results: Of 250 decompensated cirrhosis patients, 64 (25.6%) had acute kidney injury and 37.5% died. Several factors were associated with mortality in decompensated cirrhosis patients, such as Child–Pugh C (p = 0.02; OR = 3, 95% CI 1.5–6.3), acute kidney injury (p < 0.0001; OR = 9.5, 95% CI 4.3–21.1), hyponatremia (p = 0.01; OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.2–5.1), elevated total bilirubin > 51 µmol/L (p = 0.03; OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.1–4.6), and prothrombin < 70% (p = 0.03; OR = 6.8, 95% CI 1–51.6). Hypoalbuminemia was unrelated to mortality in these patients (p = 0.8; OR = 1.2, 95% CI 0.5–2.7), but gastrointestinal bleeding significantly increased mortality in these patients up to 2.3 times (p = 0.03; OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–4.9). Three independent factors regarding mortality in decompensated cirrhosis patients included acute kidney injury, hepatic encephalopathy, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The rate of acute kidney injury in patients with decompensated cirrhosis was 25.6%; the mortality rate was 37.5%. Conclusions: Acute kidney injury was a valuable predictor of mortality in Vietnamese patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: Prevalence, Predictors, and In-Hospital Mortality at a District Hospital in Ghana

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most severe complications of cirrhosis and portends an ominous prognosis with an estimated mortality of about 50% in a month and 65% within a year. Infection and hypovolemia have been found to be the main precipitating factors of AKI in liver cirrhosis. Early detection and treatment of AKI may improve outcomes. AKI in patients with liver cirrhosis in Ghana and their impact on inpatient mortality are largely unknown. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence, precipitating factors, predictors, and in-hospital mortality of AKI in patients with liver cirrhosis admitted to a district hospital in Ghana.

Methods

Consecutive hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis from 1 January 2018 to 30 April 2020 were recruited. Patient's demographic data and clinical features were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Biochemical and haematological tests as well as abdominal ultrasound scans were done for all patients. All patients were then followed up until discharge or death.

Results

There were 117 (65.4%) males out of the 179 patients with a mean age of 49.94 and 45.84 years for those with and without AKI, respectively. The prevalence of AKI was 27.9% (50/179). Out of 50 participants with AKI, 64.0% (32/50) died, contributing 41.0% of all in-patient mortality amongst participants. There was a significant association between AKI and death (p ≤ 0.001). The major precipitating factors of AKI were infections (60.0%), hypovolemia (20.0%) due to gastrointestinal bleeding and gastroenteritis, and refractory ascites (16.0%). Alkaline phosphatase, INR, model for end-stage liver disease sodium, sodium, and blood urea nitrogen were independent predictors of AKI.

Conclusion

AKI was common among patients with liver cirrhosis with high in-patient mortality. Identification of these precipitants and independent predictors of AKI may lead to prompt and targeted treatment with reduction in patient mortality.

Peri-operative risk factors of chronic kidney disease after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a frequent long-term complication after liver transplantation (LT) and is associated with poor long-term survival. The aim of our study was to identify the risk factors of developing post-transplant CKD at 1 year, during the pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-LT phases.

METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent primary LT between July 2013 and February 2018 were analyzed. To assess the impact of peri- and post-operative factors on renal function at 1 year we performed a propensity score matching on gender, age of the recipient, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, etiology of the hepatic disease, and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) at baseline.

RESULTS

Among the 245 patients who underwent LT, 215 had available data at one year (Y1), and 46% of them had CKD. Eighty-three patients in the CKD group and 83 in the normal renal function group were then matched. The median follow-up was 35 months (27-77). Patients with CKD at Y1 had a decreased 5-year survival compared to patients with normal renal function at one year: figures were 62% and 90%, respectively, p = 0.001. The independent predictors of CKD at Y1 were major complications (OR = 2.2, 95% CI [1.2-4.2]), p = 0.015, intensive care unit (ICU) stay > 5 days (OR = 2.2, 95% CI [1.3-5.1]), p = 0.046, ICU serum lactate level at 24 h ≥ 2.5 mmol/L (OR = 3.8 95% CI [1.1-8]), p = 0.034, need for post-LT renal replacement therapy (OR = 6.4 95% CI [1.4-25]), and MELD score ≥ 20 (OR = 2.1 95% CI [1.1-3.9]), p = 0.019.

CONCLUSIONS

The peri-operative period has a major impact on CKD incidence. Early recognition of patients at high risk of CKD may be critical for implementation of nephroprotective measures.

Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of mortality in liver cirrhosis patients on continuous renal replacement therapy in two tertiary hospitals in Korea

Background

Data on liver cirrhosis (LC) patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) are lacking despite of the dismal prognosis. We therefore evaluated clinical characteristics and predictive factors related to mortality in LC patients undergoing CRRT.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational study at two tertiary hospitals in Korea. A total of 229 LC patients who underwent CRRT were analyzed. Patients were classified into survivor and non-survivor groups. We used multivariable Cox regression analyses to identify predictive factors of in-hospital mortality.

Results

During a median follow-up of 5 days (interquartile range, 1-19 days), in-hospital mortality rate was 66.4%. In multivariable analysis, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.06; p = 0.02), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.04-1.11; p > 0.001), and delivered CRRT dose (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92-0.98; p = 0.002) were significant risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Patients with a CRRT delivered dose < 25 mL/kg/hr had a higher mortality rate than those with a delivered dose > 35 mL/kg/hr (HR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.62-6.05; p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that a CRRT delivered dose > 25 mL/kg/hr was a significant risk factor for in-hospital mortality among LC patients with a MELD score ≥ 30.

Conclusion

High APACHE II score, high MELD score, and low delivered CRRT dose were significant risk factors for in-hospital mortality. CRRT delivered dose impacted mortality significantly, especially in patients with a MELD score ≥ 30.

Risk Factor Analysis of Acute Kidney Injury After Microwave Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study

Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a recently observed side effect in patients after microwave ablation (MWA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with negative outcomes. The aim of this study is to explore the risk factors of affecting the occurrence of AKI (stages 1b, 2, and 3), because they have a higher mortality rate than patients with AKI (stage 1a) and without AKI.

Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 1,214 patients with HCC who were treated with MWA under ultrasound (US) guidance in our department between January 2005 and November 2017 were enrolled. We evaluated the influence of 20 risk factors. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used for statistical analysis. The possible risk factors of AKI after MWA for HCC were summarized.

Results: AKI, AKI (stage 1a), and AKI (stages 1b, 2, and 3) after MWA were found in 34, 15, and 19 patients (2.80, 1.24, and 1.57%), respectively. Among 34 patients with AKI, 10 cases with AKI (stage 1a) and 6 cases with AKI (stages 1b, 2, and 3) recovered before their discharge without any treatment for AKI and 9 cases with AKI (stages 1b, 2, and 3) with further treatment. Four cases who had chronic renal failure before MWA of liver accepted renal dialysis. By univariate analysis, the number of antenna insertions (P = 0.027, OR = 3.3), MWA time ≥20 min (P = 0.029, OR = 4.3), creatinine (Cr)-pre above the upper limit of the reference value (P < 0.001, OR = 35.5), albumin (Alb)-pre (P = 0.030, OR = 0.9), and red blood cell (RBC)-pre (P < 0.001, OR = 0.3) were significant risk factors. By multivariate analysis, Cr-pre ≥ 110 μmol/L (P < 0.001, OR = 31.4) and MWA time ≥20 min (P = 0.043 OR = 9.9) were the independent risk factors.

Conclusion: AKI (stages 1b, 2, and 3) is a relatively serious complication after MWA for HCC, which is related to MWA time and Cr-pre. It requires attention by clinicians. So it is of great necessity to assess the Cr-pre level and reduce the MWA time to <20 min to minimize the risk of AKI after MWA for HCC.

Evaluation of Renal Disease in Patients With Cirrhosis

Renal dysfunction in cirrhosis is common and is associated with increased mortality. Identifying and treating reversible causes of renal disease can significantly improve outcomes. The etiology, approach, and evaluation of renal disease in this group of patients is similar to the noncirrhosis patient, with a few specific caveats. Renal disease may be unrelated to the cause of cirrhosis (eg, prerenal acute kidney injury, acute tubular necrosis), occur as a manifestation of the same systemic disease responsible for the liver disease (eg, chronic viral hepatitis B and C infection) or as a consequence of cirrhosis (hepatorenal syndrome). Kidney impairment may be underrecognized in patients with cirrhosis due to over-reliance on creatinine-based glomerular filtration rate equations used in clinical practice. The first steps of evaluation for the renal disease include a thorough medical history to identify the underlying cause of cirrhosis and any potential trigger for renal dysfunction, physical examination, and review of prior laboratory records for baseline renal function. Renal imaging and urinalysis should be performed on all cirrhotic patients with renal dysfunction to establish the presence of urinary obstruction, chronicity and intrinsic renal disease.

Schmidt-Ott K. The Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury and Associated Hospital Mortality

BACKGROUND

Studies from multiple countries have shown that acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized patients is associated with mortality and morbidity. There are no reliable data at present on the incidence and mortality of AKI episodes among hospitalized patients in Germany. The utility of administrative codings of AKI for the identification of AKI episodes is also unclear.

METHODS

In an exploratory approach, we retrospectively analyzed all episodes of AKI over a period of 3.5 years (2014-2017) on the basis of routinely obtained serum creatinine measurements in 103 161 patients whose creatinine had been measured at least twice and who had been in the hospital for at least two days. We used the "Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes" (KDIGO) criteria for AKI. In parallel, we assessed the administrative coding of discharge diagnoses of the same patients with codes from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-GM).

RESULTS

Among 185 760 hospitalizations, stage 1 AKI occurred in 25 417 cases (13.7%), stage 2 in 8503 cases (4.6%), and stage 3 in 5881 cases (3.1%). AKI cases were associated with length of hospital stay, renal morbidity, and overall mortality, and this association was stage-dependent. The in-hospital mortality was 5.1% for patients with stage 1 AKI, 13.7% for patients with stage 2 AKI, and 24.8% for patients with stage 3 AKI. An administrative coding for acute kidney injury (N17) was present in only 28.8% (11 481) of the AKI cases that were identified by creatinine criteria. Like the AKI cases overall, those that were identified by creatinine criteria but were not coded as AKI had significantly higher mortality, and this association was stage-dependent.

CONCLUSION

AKI episodes are common among hospitalized patients and are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, yet they are inadequately documented and probably often escape the attention of the treating physicians.