AKI- an underestimated problem in the pediatric intensive care

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is increasingly recognized as a cause of increased morbidity in critically ill children and adults, and damage to the kidney, a central mediator of homeostasis in the body, affects patient survival. AKI is now known to be an independent risk factor for mortality,. The list of causes of AKI in pediatrics is long; however, the true etiology is likely multifactorial, related to a combination of several factors, such as ischemia and reperfusion injury, disruption of renal vasomotor homeostasis, hypoxic and oxidative stress, and cytokine-driven effects. The kidney is central to numerous homeostatic control mechanisms. Calculations of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) rely on serum creatinine (SCr) and are often unreliable because of variability within age groups, gender, metabolic state, body composition, and excretion by the kidney itself. Definitions of oliguria, also are varied. This book is focused on evidence-based AKI research, highlighting disturbing epidemiologic trends for pediatric AKI, novel detection strategies, the role of AKI as an independent causative agent of injury, and available evidence-based data regarding management and outcomes.

Autorentext

Author was born in Cesis, Latvia. Trained in anesthesiology and intensive care at Riga Medical institute. Pediatric intensivist, working at the University Children`s Hospital, Riga. Postgraduate studies and trainings in Austria, Belgium, Finland, Netherlands, USA.