Management and Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury due to Burns: A Literature Review

Abstract

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), a common and severe complication following burn injuries, presents a significant challenge due to its broad clinical manifestations and diverse etiologies. AKI, previously known as acute renal failure, can present abruptly following burns or thermal injuries, causing detrimental health outcomes such as progressive kidney dysfunction, increased hospital length of stay (LOS), and requirement of renal replacement therapy (RRT). AKI affects the maintenance of homeostasis of fluid and electrolytes, elimination of metabolic wastes and by-products, and acid-base balance. Aggressive nutritional support is particularly necessitated in burn patients to prevent protein-energy wasting (PEW) and a negative nitrogen balance. Understanding the pathogenesis of AKI in burns and improving its prevention and early diagnosis are active areas of research in this field. Despite the potential benefits, the optimal timing and threshold for RRT initiation in burn patients with AKI remain unclear, warranting further studies. Ongoing investigations focus on refining RRT techniques, evaluating biomarkers for early detection of AKI, and exploring adjunctive therapies to enhance renal recovery. The aim of this study is to review the etiology, diagnostic tools, and interventions that improve outcomes associated with AKI in burn-related settings.

Deciphering AKI in Burn Patients: Correlations between Clinical Clusters and Biomarkers

“…In burn patients, the size, depth, and associated trauma of the burn significantly influence the development and progression of AKI [ 6 ]. The variability in AKI’s presentation necessitates a comprehensive study to understand its many manifestations and impacts on patient outcomes [ 7 ]. This variability also highlights the severity and heterogeneity of burns themselves and their relevance to AKI, emphasizing the importance of research in critical and heterogeneous diseases.…”