Acute kidney injury (AKI)
Formal Definition
A sudden decrease in kidney function, defined by a rise in serum creatinine (>0.3 mg/dL in 48h or >1.5x baseline) or decreased urine output.
How It's Used on the Ward
"Creatinine is bumping" or "kidneys are taking a hit" in casual conversation.
Example
""Creatinine up from 1.0 to 2.3 overnight. This is an AKI. Check a UA, renal ultrasound, and trend the lytes. Hold the ACE inhibitor.""
Clinical Context
Previously called "acute renal failure." AKI is staged 1-3. The workup follows a pre-renal, intrinsic, post-renal framework.
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