Acute kidney injury in the elderly: Only the tip of the iceberg

AbstractThe incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) is rising in individuals of all ages; however, elderly patients (older than 65 years) are particularly susceptible to the development of AKI due to the structural and functional deterioration of the kidneys associated with the aging process, a decreased renal reserve, the presence of comorbidities, and the reduced ability to recover. Older patients with AKI carry an elevated risk of both short-term and long-term mortality, and survivors are often left with chronic kidney disease (CKD) that eventually progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Additionally, older patients with AKI suffer from an impaired quality of life and decreased functional status, both of which contribute to adverse outcomes. Maintaining adequate hydration and avoiding nephrotoxic agents are helpful in warding off AKI in elderly individuals. No proven treatment measures exist for AKI in elderly individuals except supportive therapy. A thorough understanding of the pathogenesis, etiology, clinical courses, complications, and prognosis of AKI in the elderly population is vital to preemptively reduce the incidence of AKI and hopefully create a better outcome