UC Davis

AIM OF REVIEW: Acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery is a relatively common postoperative complication and is independently related to increased mortality and morbidity. METHOD: In this review, we will focus on risk factors of developing AKI, early detection by biomarkers and preventive strategies for AKI after adult cardiac surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Many perioperative factors affect renal function and acute AKI following cardiac surgery. Novel biomarkers of kidney injury such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), interleukin-18 (IL-18), cystatin C (CysC), have the potential to facilitate the early diagnosis of cardiac surgery associated AKI (CSA-AKI). Pharmacological interventions have been inconsistent to their efficacy, and to date, there is no compelling pharmacologic agent known to reduce the risk of AKI or treat established AKI. SUMMARY: Preventive strategies of AKI focus on optimal perioperative management.