Acute kidney injury

Inform the patient if they have an episode of AKI; give information on what the cause was and what measures they can take to avoid a further episode (e.g., avoiding getting dehydrated during an intercurrent illness).

The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends:[3]National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Acute kidney injury: prevention, detection and management. October 2024 [internet publication]. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng148

• Involving parents and carers in the discussion if appropriate

• Discussing immediate treatment options, monitoring, and prognosis; and long‑term treatment options, monitoring, self‑management, and support in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team appropriate to the person's individual needs

• Providing information to people needing renal replacement therapy after discharge, including what preparation might be needed (such as having a fistula or peritoneal catheter) and the frequency and length of dialysis sessions

• Discussing the risk of developing future AKI, particularly with people who have chronic kidney disease with an eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m², or neurological or cognitive impairment or disability, and who may have limited access to fluids.

  • Emphasise the risk associated with conditions leading to dehydration (for example, diarrhoea and vomiting) and drugs that can cause or worsen kidney injury (including over‑the‑counter NSAIDs).