A prospective study of the demographics, management and outcome of patients with acute kidney injury in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

The incidence of AKI in the population studied is 3.4% of hospital admissions and carries a high mortality risk, most significant in mechanically ventilated patients. Sepsis and late dialysis initiation may carry a risk of mortality, but HIV infection did not affect outcome. Follow up of patients at least 3 months after an episode of AKI is essential to detect and appropriately manage those with incomplete renal recovery. In this study 36 patients underwent a kidney biopsy, and in many of these the results guided patient management. This study demonstrates finally that it remains imperative that clinicians actively pursue underlying causes of acute decline in renal function, including urine analysis, renal ultrasonography and if indicated and safe, a renal biopsy.