Purpose of review: It has been argued that the existing epidemiologic data are insufficient to establish a causal link between acute kidney injury (AKI) and subsequent development or progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially given that risk factors for the development of AKI overlap with those for progressive CKD.
Recent findings: Multiple studies published over the past 5 years have demonstrated a strong epidemiologic association between episodes of AKI and subsequent development or progression of CKD, including evidence that severity of AKI and repeated episodes of AKI are associated with increased risk of CKD. In addition, animal models have provided evidence for a biological basis linking episodes of AKI with CKD.
Summary: The preponderance of data support a causal link between episodes of AKI and subsequent development or progression of CKD.