Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients

• Dr. Fadel Ibrahim — Consultant in Critical Care Medicine with clinical experience across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE (DHA), he serves as a Board Member of the World Kidney Academy and the World Institute of Critical Care & Emergency Medicine (WICCEM)

Critical Care

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious complication among critically ill patients, contributing to prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stays, increased healthcare costs, and higher morbidity and mortality. Its multifactorial pathogenesis, ranging from sepsis and hemodynamic instability to nephrotoxic medications and major surgery, makes early recognition and timely intervention essential. Accurate risk stratification, optimization of fluid status, avoidance of nephrotoxins, and appropriate use of kidney replacement therapy remain the cornerstones of management. Emerging biomarkers and precision-based approaches are also improving the early detection and prognostication of AKI in critical care settings. A systematic, evidence-based approach can help preserve renal function, prevent complications, and improve outcomes in this vulnerable patient population.