AKI And CKD

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Definition:

• AKI: A rapid loss of kidney function occurring over hours or days, leading to a buildup of waste products and an imbalance in fluids and electrolytes. It is often reversible if treated promptly.

• CKD: A gradual decline in kidney function over months or years, characterized by the inability of the kidneys to effectively filter blood. CKD can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Causes:

• AKI:

  • Severe dehydration or blood loss.

  • Sepsis (body-wide infection).

  • Exposure to nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., NSAIDs, aminoglycosides).

  • Obstruction in the urinary tract (e.g., kidney stones, enlarged prostate).

• CKD:

  • Diabetes mellitus (most common cause).

  • Hypertension.

  • Glomerulonephritis.

  • Polycystic kidney disease or other genetic disorders.

Symptoms:

• AKI:

  • Decreased urine output.

  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet.

  • Fatigue, confusion, and shortness of breath.

  • Nausea and chest pain in severe cases.

• CKD:

  • Persistent fatigue and weakness.

  • Loss of appetite and nausea.

  • Swelling in the limbs.

  • High blood pressure and changes in urination patterns.

  • Bone pain or fractures in later stages.

Diagnosing:

• Blood tests for creatinine, urea, and electrolyte levels.

• Urinalysis for proteinuria or hematuria.

• Imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan.

• Kidney biopsy (for specific underlying conditions).

Treatment:

• AKI:

  • Treat the underlying cause (e.g., fluids for dehydration, antibiotics for infections).

  • Dialysis in severe cases to manage waste buildup.

  • Monitoring and correcting electrolyte imbalances.

• CKD:

  • Medications to control blood pressure (ACE inhibitors, ARBs).

  • Dietary modifications to reduce sodium, potassium, and protein intake.

  • Management of comorbidities like diabetes and anemia.

  • Dialysis or kidney transplantation in ESRD.

Prevention Tips:

• Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged use of nephrotoxic drugs.

• Regularly monitor and manage chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

• Avoid smoking and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion: AKI requires immediate attention to prevent complications, while CKD necessitates long-term management to slow its progression and maintain quality of life.