Evolving use of biomarkers for kidney injury in acute care settings.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Acute kidney injury is increasingly recognized in acute care settings in more recent years. Proper diagnosis and risk stratification for acute kidney injury is necessary for carrying out appropriate and cost-effective treatments in patients with acute kidney injury. Kidney markers serve as diagnostic and prognostic tools to give physicians a more complete perspective of renal insult. The aim of this review is to highlight some of the evidence from recent studies, involving kidney markers and provide current opinion on the accuracy of these markers.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies demonstrate that novel kidney markers such as cystatin C, interleukin-18, kidney injury molecule 1, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin serve as more accurate markers for acute kidney injury as compared with the more traditional marker, creatinine. Additionally, there seems to be a correlation between the concentrations of each marker and the level of deterioration of kidneys, patient recovery time, length of hospital stay, and hospital costs.

SUMMARY

Each individual kidney marker possesses its own strengths and weaknesses in determining the onset and severity of acute kidney injury. However, in combination, a panel of kidney markers may serve as powerful tools in diagnosing kidney injury with high accuracy.