Seminars in nephrology
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Seminars in nephrology · Jan 2015
ReviewEmerging therapeutic targets of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.
Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is linked to high morbidity and mortality. To date, singular approaches to target specific pathways known to contribute to the pathogenesis of SA-AKI have failed. ⋯ In this review, we discuss the clinical and experimental basis of emerging therapeutic approaches that focus on targeting early proinflammatory and late anti-inflammatory processes, as well as therapeutics that may enhance cellular survival and recovery. Finally, we include ongoing clinical trials in sepsis.
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Sepsis and acute kidney injury (AKI) frequently are combined in critical care patients. They both are associated independently with increased mortality and morbidity. ⋯ In this article, we review the available clinical, laboratory, and imaging tools available for the recognition of septic AKI. Early identification of high-risk patients and targeted preventive and therapeutic measures are key to reducing the mortality and morbidity of the complex syndrome of septic AKI.
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Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an epidemic problem. Sepsis has long been recognized as a foremost precipitant of AKI. Sepsis-associated AKI (SA-AKI) portends a high burden of morbidity and mortality in both children and adults with critical illness. ⋯ Rather, current strategies to alleviate poor outcomes focus on clinical risk identification, early detection of injury, modifying clinician behavior to avoid harm, early appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and surveillance among survivors for the longer-term sequelae of kidney damage. Recent evidence has confirmed that patients no longer die with AKI, but from AKI. To improve the care and outcomes for sufferers of SA-AKI, clinicians need a robust appreciation for its epidemiology and current best-evidence strategies for prevention and treatment.
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The renal microcirculation plays a major role in the delivery of blood and oxygen to the kidney. In sepsis, alterations in renal microvascular perfusion, in conjunction with increased oxygen requirements, may contribute to renal failure even when renal macrovascular perfusion is preserved. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology of the renal microcirculation during sepsis and how it contributes to acute kidney injury. ⋯ Coagulative disorders and glycocalyx disruption also may contribute to the microcirculatory dysfunction. New technologies in experimental models and human beings are being developed to explore renal microcirculation in vivo. These technologies will allow a better understanding of the pathophysiopathology of the renal microcirculation and will help guide specific therapeutic strategies in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury.
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Seminars in nephrology · Jan 2015
ReviewExtracorporeal renal replacement therapies in the treatment of sepsis: where are we?
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common among the critically ill, affecting approximately 40% of patients. Sepsis is the cause of AKI in almost 50% of cases of intensive care patients, however, any evidence-based treatment for sepsis-associated AKI is lacking. Furthermore, the underlying pathophysiology of septic AKI is inadequately understood given the disparity between severe functional changes and limited tubular injury. ⋯ We consider the classic aspects of extracorporeal renal replacement therapy including indications, timing, and delivered dose. The various techniques that currently are used to try and achieve immune homeostasis also are outlined. As well as discussing the evidence accumulated to date, we also suggest possibilities for the future treatment of our patients.