UC Davis

Aim of review

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery is a relatively common postoperative complication and is independently related to increased mortality and morbidity.

Method

In this review, we will focus on risk factors of developing AKI, early detection by biomarkers and preventive strategies for AKI after adult cardiac surgery.

Recent findings

Many perioperative factors affect renal function and acute AKI following cardiac surgery. Novel biomarkers of kidney injury such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), interleukin-18 (IL-18), cystatin C (CysC), have the potential to facilitate the early diagnosis of cardiac surgery associated AKI (CSA-AKI). Pharmacological interventions have been inconsistent to their efficacy, and to date, there is no compelling pharmacologic agent known to reduce the risk of AKI or treat established AKI.

Summary

Preventive strategies of AKI focus on optimal perioperative management.