Etiology, risk factors and outcome of acute kidney injury in a medical intensive care unit

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a common yet serious illness with significant complications having high incidence and prevalence rates. Various studies have been conducted to understand the causes and risk factors of AKI and its outcomes. Aim and Objectives: The present research aimed to assess the etiology, risk factors and outcome of AKI in Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). Material and Methods: In this longitudinal study, 100 participants were recruited between the age group 20-80 years and diagnosed with AKI either at the time of admission or during their stay in MICU. Results: Mean age was 61.3 +/- 15.43 years. The study participants included 68 male (68%) and 32 female participants (32%). Majority of the participants had diabetes mellitus as a co-morbidity (49%) followed by systemic hypertension (36%). The commonest etiology of AKI in our study, was infections (61.22%). Thirteen individuals progressed to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and 27 succumbed to AKI. The negative outcome with respect to progression to CKD and death was significantly associated with invasive ventilation status ( p = 0.0005), requirement of dialysis ( p = 0.0365) and exposure to nephrotoxic drugs ( p = 0.0135). Conclusion: In the present study, infection was the commonest etiology for AKI. Diabetes as well as hypertension were significant risk factors for AKI. A significant number of individuals progressed to CKD and 27 out of 100 individuals succumbed to AKI.