Acute respiratory distress together with hypoxia could be an indication for admission to intensive care unit. It may also lead to acute kidney injury. In addition, mechanical ventilation may be an additional factor for development of acute kidney injury. The aim of the work was to assess the prevalence of acute kidney injury, including the need for renal replacement therapy in patients with acute respiratory distress treated in intensive care unit. In addition, the effect of acute kidney injury on outcome of patients with acute respiratory distress was evaluated. The studies were performed on 100 patients with acute respiratory distress treated in intensive care unit of the regional hospital. Patients were divided into 2 groups in respect to the presence or absence of acute kidney injury. Acute kidney injury was diagnosed in 22% of patients with acute respiratory distress, while 12% required renal replacement therapy, it was more often observed in patients with estimated GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2. Length of stay was similar irrespective of kidney function, however, the mortality was significantly higher in patients with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, particularly in those on hemodialyses. In addition, mortality was associated with older age and sepsis.