Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Toolkit
AKI is a sudden reduction in a person’s kidney function that often complicates episodes of acute illness.
The toolkit aims to support improvements in both the recognition and response to AKI for adults in primary care
as well as improve the delivery of post-AKI care.
As a clinical syndrome (not a condition or primary diagnosis),
AKI offers a shift away from a single disease framework.
AKI is a sudden reduction in a person’s kidney function that often complicates episodes of acute illness.
The toolkit aims to support improvements in both the recognition and response to AKI for adults in primary care
as well as improve the delivery of post-AKI care.
As a clinical syndrome (not a condition or primary diagnosis),
AKI offers a shift away from a single disease framework.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
AKI is a sudden drop in kidney function occurring over hours or days.
It is a marker of illness severity.
There are many causes for AKI though in most cases it occurs as part of an episode of acute illness,
such as flu or gastroenteritis.
It is often the combined result of
- infection,
- being short of salt and water (i.e. low circulatory blood volume),
- low blood pressure (i.e. hypotension)
- and medication effects.
It is not caused as a result of a physical blow to the body.
It is associated with very poor patient outcomes
so patients at risk of AKI should be informed about how to reduce their AKI risk
especially if they become unwell.
AKI risk reduction strategies should incorporate assessment of fluid status
and prompt medication review during acute illness episodes.
AKI is a sudden drop in kidney function occurring over hours or days.
It is a marker of illness severity.
There are many causes for AKI though in most cases it occurs as part of an episode of acute illness,
such as flu or gastroenteritis.
It is often the combined result of
- infection,
- being short of salt and water (i.e. low circulatory blood volume),
- low blood pressure (i.e. hypotension)
- and medication effects.
It is not caused as a result of a physical blow to the body.
It is associated with very poor patient outcomes
so patients at risk of AKI should be informed about how to reduce their AKI risk
especially if they become unwell.
AKI risk reduction strategies should incorporate assessment of fluid status
and prompt medication review during acute illness episodes.
