Acute Kidney Injury & Chronic Kidney Disease
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), formerly known as acute renal failure, is a sudden and often reversible decline in kidney function over hours to days. It is characterized by a rapid increase in serum creatinine and/or a decrease in urine output.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over months or years. The kidneys, essential organs for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, lose their ability to perform these functions effectively in CKD, leading to the buildup of waste products in the body. CKD is classified into five stages based on the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), with Stage 1 being mild and Stage 5 indicating end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant.
What are the signs and symptoms of Acute Kidney Injury & Chronic Kidney Disease?
Acute Kidney Injury may be subclinical (detected on laboratory testing) or clinical (presenting with symptoms &/or signs). The majority of these symptoms and signs depend on the underlying cause and may include:
- Change in urine output
- Decreased Urine Output:
- Fluid Retention:
- Fatigue and Weakness:
- Shortness of Breath
- Confusion
- High Blood Pressure:
- Metallic Taste in Mouth
- Muscle Cramps and Twitching