AKI Associated with Acute Pancreatitis

Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2019 Jul 5;14(7):1106-1115. doi: 10.2215/CJN.13191118. Epub 2019 May 22.

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis is a common disorder of the pancreas. It is the most frequent gastrointestinal cause for hospitalization and one of the leading causes of in-hospital deaths. Its severity ranges from mild self-limited disease to severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis characterized by systemic complications and multiorgan failure. Severe acute pancreatitis develops in about 20% of patients with acute pancreatitis and may be associated with multiorgan failure (respiratory, cardiovascular, and kidney). AKI is a frequent complication of severe acute pancreatitis and develops late in the course of the disease, usually after the failure of other organs. It carries a very poor prognosis, particularly if kidney replacement therapy is required, with mortality rates exceeding 75%. The exact pathophysiology of AKI in acute pancreatitis remains unclear but appears to result from initial volume depletion followed by complex vascular and humoral factors. Here, we provide an overview of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, causes, and management of AKI in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.

Keywords: Abdominal Compartment Syndrome; Acute Kidney Injury; Acute Pancreatitis; Hospital Mortality; Hypovolemia; Kidney Replacement Therapy; Multiple Organ Failure; Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing; Prognosis; Renal Replacement Therapy; hospitalization; kidney.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / epidemiology
  • Acute Kidney Injury / etiology*
  • Acute Kidney Injury / therapy
  • Fluid Therapy
  • Humans
  • Pancreatitis / complications*
  • Renal Replacement Therapy