Defining Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a syndrome of impaired kidney function associated with reduced survival and increased morbidity. International consensus criteria were developed based on changes in serum creatinine and urine output. Based on these definitions, epidemiologic studies have shown strong associations with clinical outcomes including death and dialysis. However, numerous limitations exist for creatinine and urine volume as markers of AKI and novel biomarkers have been developed to detect cellular stress or damage. Persistent AKI and acute kidney disease are relatively new concepts that explore the idea of AKI as a continuum with chronic kidney disease.