Acute Kidney Injury in the Geriatric Population

Abstract

The aging kidney is more susceptible to injury. Thus, it is not surprising that acute kidney injury (AKI) is a disorder with a relative high incidence in the elderly population, especially those with critical illness. Given the comorbid conditions common in the geriatric population as well as the increase in exposure to various nephrotoxic insults, it is likely that the incidence of AKI will grow in the coming decades. Thus, it is critical to gain an understanding of the cellular and molecular pathways operative in increasing the susceptibility to AKI with an aim to design therapies that will mitigate the risk of AKI. In the meanwhile, meticulous attention to preventative strategic is critical. When AKI does occur and renal replacement therapy is needed, individual decision making is required and should not be based on age alone.