Acute kidney failure is an important clinical area in the intensive care unit setting. An estimated 5-20% of critically ill patients experience an episode of acute kidney failure during the course of their illness, and about 5% of patients admitted to an ICU will eventually require renal replacement therapy. In these patients, in-hospital mortality is extremely high, exceeding 50%. Thus, the early detection and causal treatment of acute kidney problems is vitally important for a successful outcome. Written by internationally renowned experts, this clinical reference offers helpful advice with the most recent information on the definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical causes of acute kidney failure as a fundamental prerequisite for prevention of this disorder. Moreover, it also covers differential diagnostic approaches for patients with acute renal failure and provides a detailed outline of important measures for their clinical management. Finally, separate chapters are dedicated to various key aspects related to the adequate delivery of acute renal replacement therapy. It is intended as a helpful guide for all clinicians involved in the care of patients at risk of developing acute kidney problems.

Definition and Classification of Acute Kidney Failure

Definition and Classification of Acute Kidney Injury
Overview of Pathophysiology, Etiology and Epidemiology
Mechanisms of Acute Kidney Injury and Repair
Uremic Toxins
Prerenal Acute Kidney Failure
Intrinsic Acute Kidney Injury
Urinary Tract Obstruction
Epidemiology of Acute Kidney Injury
Economic Impact of Acute Kidney Failure
Diagnostic Evaluation and Procedures
Clinical and Laboratory Evaluation
Kidney Function Tests and Urinalysis
Renal Ultrasound
Management of Acute Kidney Problems: Indications for Renal Biopsy in Acute Renal Disease
Prevention and Conservative Therapy of Acute Kidney Failure
Volume Resuscitation and Management
Management of Electrolyte Disorders
Acid-Base Balance
Monitoring and Management of Systemic Hemodynamics
Treatment of Anemia
Metabolic Alterations and Nutrition in AKI
Glucose, Insulin, and the Kidney
Bleeding and Hemostasis
Neurological Problems
Gastrointestinal Complications of Acute Kidney Injury
Cardiovascular Complications of Acute Kidney Injury
Acute Kidney Injury: Specific Interventions and Drugs
Drug Dosing in Acute Kidney Injury and During Renal Replacement Therapy
Anesthesia in Patients with Kidney Failure
Long-term Outcome of Acute Kidney Failure
Long-Term Outcome of Acute Kidney Injury
Diagnosis and Management of Specific Disorders
Acute Kidney Injury in Sepsis
Kidney in Acute Heart Failure and Cardiogenic Shock
Acute Kidney Problems in Congestive Heart Failure
Hepatorenal Syndrome
Malignant Hypertension
Toxic Nephropathy Due to Drugs and Poisons
Toxic Nephropathy Due to Radiocontrast Media
Acute Glomerulonephritis, Vasculitis, and Pulmonary Renal Syndrome
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome/ThromboticThrombocytopenic Purpura
Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis
Myoglobinuric Acute Kidney Failure
Tropical Infections and Acute Kidney Injury
AIDS and Acute Kidney Failure
Acute Kidney Injury in Oncological Disorders and Tumor Lysis Syndrome
Kidney Failure Following Cardiovascular Surgery
Burns and Acute Kidney Failure
Acute Kidney Transplant Failure
Acute Kidney Failure During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Acute Kidney Failure in Children
Temporary Replacement of Kidney Function
Indications to Start Kidney Replacement Therapy
Principles of Extracorporeal Therapy: Haemodialysis, Haemofiltration and Haemodiafiltration
Membranes for Dialysis and Hemofiltration
Dialysates and Substitution Fluids
Intermittent Hemodialysis
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapies
Extended Daily Dialysis
Quantifying the Dose of Acute Kidney Replacement Therapy
Anticoagulation for Acute Dialysis
Vascular Access for Acute Dialysis
Principles and Practice of Acute Peritoneal Dialysis
Choosing a Therapy Modality for Acute Renal Replacement Therapy
Acute Kidney Replacement Therapy in Children
Stopping Acute Kidney Replacement Therapy
Extracorporeal Therapies for Non-Renal Indications
Extracorporeal Therapies and Immunomodulation During Sepsis
Extracorporeal Liver Support
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs and Toxins.