Acute Kidney
Injury (AKI)
Patient / Relatives copy
Information for Patients & Family
Patient Name:
What do Kidneys do and where are
they?
…………………………………………….
Most people have two kidneys. They lie to
either side of the back bone just below the
ribs.
Cause of Acute Kidney Injury
Kidney
…………………………………………….
You have been given this leaflet by
your doctor because you have acute
kidney injury. This leaflet explains the
condition, what your kidneys do and
what we will be doing to help you’
What is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)?
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) –previously known
as acute renal failure – is a term used to
describe a range of conditions where there is
a rapid reduction in kidney function. This
means there is a failure to maintain fluid, salt
and acidic balance.
The main cause of AKI is a lack of blood flow
to the kidneys. This can be caused by many
things such as; dehydration, infection or
blood loss. The body preserves the blood
supply to the brain and heart – this redirects it
away from the kidney which can cause it to
fail. It can also occur due to toxins, when
there is a problem inside the kidney or a
blockage in the tubes carrying the urine away
from the kidneys.
About a quarter of the blood from the heart
passes through the kidneys, which filter and
clean our entire blood volume about 35 times
per day
Kidneys help balance the fluid and salts in
your body. They remove waste products and
toxins by producing urine. They are also
important for maintaining healthy bones and
red blood cells.
Why is AKI dangerous?
 Your heart can be affected due to the
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changes in salts in the blood
The build-up of waste products can
cause damage to other organs
You are also unable to get rid of the
toxic remains of drugs you may be
taking
Patient information sheet for AKI (acute kidney injury) December 2014 for review December 2017
based on Aintree hospital’s leaflet reproduced for WHH with permission. Dr Chattington
Who is at risk?
Approximately 15% of adults that are
admitted to hospital develop AKI.
The elderly are more at risk, along with
patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD),
diabetes, heart failure or liver disease.
What are the signs of AKI?
You do not usually feel unwell until kidney
function has deteriorated significantly
sometimes to less than 10%
The first sign of the kidneys
not working properly is a
person stops producing as
much urine.
HELP US TO HELP YOU
1. YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR OBSERVATIONS
2.
3.
4.
5.
What treatment will I have?
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Later symptoms include
headaches, feeling tired,
nausea and vomiting.
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A blood test can identify acute kidney injury
before any symptoms.
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What tests will I need?
Kidney function can be measured in a
number of ways.
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The use of a urinary catheter may be
used to measure urine output.
Blood tests can measure the levels of
waste products (creatinine and urea) that
build up in the blood.
Blood tests can also measure the levels of
salts and acid in the blood to see if they
are balanced.
Urine tests for protein and blood can
indicate leakage due to kidney damage.
You may be sent for an ECG, X-rays or
ultrasound scans of your kidneys.
Some types of AKI may need a kidney
biopsy to determine the cause. A tiny
piece of your kidney is taken via a needle
under local anaesthetic.
TAKEN REGULARLY INCLUDING DAILY WEIGHT
YOU SHOULD HAVE DAILY BLOOD TESTS FOR
SALT AND KIDNEY FUNCTION LEVELS
FEEL FREE TO ASK THE DOCTOR HOW ANY
DRUGS MAY AFFECT YOU KIDNEY AND AVOID
ALL ‘NSAIDS’ LIKE IBUPROFEN
KEEP TRACK OF HOW MUCH YOU DRINK AND
WHEN YOU PASS URINE
YOU SHOULD BE BOOKED FOR AN
ULTRASOUND SCAN TO LOOK AT THE KIDNEYS
IF THEY CONTINUE TO BE IMPAIRED
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The cause of the AKI will
need to be identified and
treated.
You may receive
intravenous fluids to
rehydrate your body.
Some patients require
tablets to reduce the build-up of fluid
and acid.
A urinary catheter may be used to
relieve a urinary tract blockage.
You may require antibiotics to treat
an infection.
You may very occasionally be put on
dialysis if your kidneys do not
respond. This involves passing the
blood through a machine for a number
of hours. The machine cleans the
blood while your kidneys recover.
Diet and fluids in acute kidney
injury
Why is diet important?
When your kidneys are not working well, a
build up of waste products and fluid can
occur in your body. Eating the right foods
can help prevent a build up of waste
products, help control your blood pressure
and keep salts in balance.
Patient information sheet for AKI (acute kidney injury) December 2014 for review December 2017
based on Aintree hospital’s leaflet reproduced for WHH with permission. Dr Chattington
Fluid
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Some patients need more fluid, others
require fluid restriction. Your doctor
should advise you how much fluid you
should drink a day.
As well as tea, water and other drinks,
you will also need to count certain
foods as part of your fluid allowance
for example, jelly, ice cream, milk on
cereal, porridge, milk puddings, soup,
gravy and sauces.
What can I do to stop this
happening again?
You could prevent AKI by minimising your
risk factors
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Salt
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Too much salt in your diet can
increase your blood pressure. Salt can
also make you thirsty. If you are on a
fluid restriction this can make it harder
to keep to your fluid allowance.
Try to use less salt in your diet and
limit processed foods (high in salt). Do
not use salt substitutes e.g. LoSalt or
Selora
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Potassium
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When your kidneys do not work
properly they struggle to maintain the
potassium balance. Some blood
pressure tablets can further increase
potassium level in your blood. High
levels of potassium can be dangerous
to your heart.
If your blood tests show an increased
potassium level your doctor will refer
you to a dietician for advice on a low
potassium diet. You may also require
medications to reduce the potassium
in your body.
How long do I need to be at the
hospital for?
You will usually need to remain in hospital
until your kidney function recovers to a safe
level.
The cause of AKI will also need to be
investigated so that it does not happen again
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Drink plenty fluids when unwell,
especially if you are suffering from
diarrhoea and vomiting. If you are not able
to do this then urgently seek medical
attention.
If you have an infection, you should see
your doctor if you are very unwell, dizzy
and passing less urine.
High blood pressure control – if you
suffer from high blood pressure make
sure you take your medication and
measure your blood pressure regularly.
Don’t drink as much alcohol. Too much
alcohol is associated with high blood
pressure which can affect your kidneys.
Diabetic? Good blood sugar control
can help protect your kidneys.
Take all your medication. Taking your
prescribed medication regularly as
instructed by your clinician. This will help
ensure your kidney function does not
deteriorate.
Avoid Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) – ibuprofen, naproxen,
voltarol or other types of pain killer such
as celecoxib or enterocoxib –these drugs
can damage your kidney – try to avoid
them and use paracetamol for pain relief
instead. Ask your pharmacist if in doubt
If you can’t pass urine see your doctor
immediately.
What happens now?
Whilst you are an inpatient your doctors will
see you regularly and keep you informed of
your progress.
If you require dialysis more information will be
given to you by the kidney specialists.
If your kidney function does not recover fully
you will probably be followed up in the kidney
clinic.
Patient information sheet for AKI (acute kidney injury) December 2014 for review December 2017
based on Aintree hospital’s leaflet reproduced for WHH with permission. Dr Chattington
Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust is not responsible for the
content of any material referenced in this
leaflet that has not been produced and
approved by the Trust.
If you require a special edition of
this leaflet
This leaflet is available in large print, Braille,
on audio tape or disk and in other languages
on request. Please contact Customer
Services on:
Telephone
01925
275249
Patient information sheet for AKI (acute kidney injury) December 2014 for review December 2017
based on Aintree hospital’s leaflet reproduced for WHH with permission. Dr Chattington