The management of acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury affects up to 15% of in patients in the acute hospital setting. Although accurate history-taking, careful physical examination and meticulous monitoring of volume balance are essential, there is, to-date, little evidence supporting any intervention that may reverse this process. Acute kidney injury presents a unique set of metabolic derangements that, if untreated, will result in death. We outline the initial management of acute kidney injury as well as specific treatments that may be required. Some consideration is also given to the use of renal replacement therapies.