Height-dependent and height-independent bSCr estimation methods were comparable. This may have significant implications for performing pediatric AKI research using large databases, and in clinical care to define AKI when height is unknown.

AKI is associated with 5- to 7-year mortality. Because this is an observational study we cannot determine if AKI is causative of mortality or of the pathophysiology. However, patients with AKI represent a high-risk group. It is reasonable that these patients be considered for targeted follow-up until future researchers better elucidate these relationships.

AKI is independently associated with higher hospitalizations and physician visits postdischarge.

Less than half the PICU population had serum creatinine measured before hospital discharge. More severe acute kidney injury was associated with higher likelihood of serum creatinine monitoring and lower probability of acute kidney injury recovery. Future research should address knowledge translation on post-PICU acute kidney injury follow-up before hospital discharge.

costing, CRRT, EXTRIP, hemodialysis, hemoperfusion.