12 Risk Factors

9. Acute kidney injury

AKI happens when kidneys suddenly stop working, often due to other health issues. It needs urgent care.

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Common causes include :

  • Low blood flow to the kidneys (from bleeding, dehydration, etc.)
  • Severe infections (sepsis)
  • Harmful substances or medications
  • Urinary blockages (e.g., stones, tumors)
  • Trauma

Medications like diuretics and antihypertensives can worsen AKI in certain situations and should be used with medical guidance. Infections and ICU admissions, especially during events like the COVID-19 pandemic, increase AKI risk. AKI can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) if not treated early.

Early detection and testing

When kidneys fail, dialysis or transplantation is needed.

  • Dialysis removes waste and extra fluids but doesn’t fully replace kidney functions. It’s needed when kidney function drops below 10–15%. Dialysis patients may stop urinating, so preserving remaining kidney function is crucial for better outcomes and quality of life
  • Transplantation fully restores kidney functions and offers better long-term outcomes than dialysis, especially if the new kidney (graft) functions well

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