A prospective study of acute kidney injury in intensive care setting according to Rifle definition and its mortality predictors

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in ICUs is associated with high morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, increased costs, and risk of progression to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Early identification of AKI is essential.
Aims and Objectives: To determine the incidence of AKI in ICU patients using the RIFLE criteria.
·         To identify etiological factors and comorbid conditions associated with AKI.
·         To assess the outcomes of AKI based on the RIFLE criteria.
·         To explore age, gender, serum creatinine, Fe Na, and urine spot Na as predictors of AKI mortality.
Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Al-Ameen Medical College and Hospital, Vijayapura, with 83 patients over two years. ICU patients were monitored for AKI development using the RIFLE criteria.
Results: Univariate logistic regression showed oliguria as a significant predictor of mortality (OR: 0.461). Among AKI survivors (n=51), the highest number (41.2%) were aged 50–59 years. In AKI deaths (n=32), most (40.6%) were over 60 years. Sepsis (39.2%) and shock (31.4%) were common in survivors, while sepsis (71.9%) dominated among deaths
Conclusion: Early identification of high-risk AKI patients is crucial. Infections and hypotension drive significant mortality risk. Oliguric patients and those on ventilation require close monitoring. Timely diagnosis and management, especially of infections and multi-organ dysfunction, are key to improving outcomes. Haemodialysis was the preferred treatment.