Abstract
Introduction: Several renal diseases are more common in elderly patients, and even in healthy older individuals renal physiology has its characteristics.
Objectives: The purpose of our study is to evaluate the epidemiological profile of acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized elderly patients.
Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out over one year period including 70 patients whose age was ≥65 years and who presented with an AKI.
Results: The mean age was 75 years. Patients were hospitalized in an emergency or resuscitation unit in 46% of cases. Mean serum creatinine was 515 µmol/l, 28% of patients had hyperkalemia. The causes of AKI were use of contrast in 40%, nephrotoxic drugs in 33% of cases and dehydration in 23% of cases. Obstructive AKI was observed in 25% of cases. Around 36% needed emergency dialysis. 8% were dead while performing dialysis.
Conclusion: Being aware of the fragility of the elderly to AKI and the early diagnosis and efficient prevention of this syndrome are the best alternatives to reduce its high prevalence.