Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association
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Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. · Jul 2014
Editorial ReviewA basic science view of acute kidney injury biomarkers.
Over the last decade, significant progress has been made in the identification and validation of novel biomarkers as well as refinements in the use of serum creatinine as a marker of kidney function. These advances have taken advantage of laboratory investigations, which have identified these novel molecules that serve important biological functions in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI). As we advance and validate these markers for clinical studies in AKI, we recognize that they serve not only to improve our understanding of AKI, but they could also serve as potential targets for the treatment of AKI. This review will underscore the biological basis of specific biomarkers that will contribute to the advancement in the treatment and outcomes of AKI.
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Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common complications affecting hospital inpatients around the world. It is associated with high mortality and adverse long-term outcomes, but there is uncertainty regarding its prevalence and cost. We estimate the prevalence of AKI in hospital inpatients in a universal health-care system, and the immediate and long-term impacts on survival, quality of life and health-care costs. ⋯ AKI prevalence in inpatients may be considerably higher than previously thought, and up to four fifths of cases may not be captured in routine hospital data. AKI is associated with large numbers of in-hospital deaths and with high NHS costs. Comparison of HES and East Kent data suggests that most of the cases recorded in HES may be relatively severe AKI (AKIN 2-3).