Acute kidney injury is defined as a sudden decline in kidney function caused by:
A. Reduced blood supply to the kidneys, such as in a state of significant fluid loss without the ability to replenish enough fluids in the body (due to diarrhea, vomiting, severe bloodstream infection with high fever, and more).
B. Obstruction of the urinary pathways preventing urine from leaving the body.
C. Direct damage to the kidneys due to various inflammations (not necessarily infectious) and nephrotoxic drugs.
These conditions require immediate treatment usually within the framework of hospitalization. There are different degrees of acute kidney injury, and its severity can lead to the need for urgent dialysis due to the rapid accumulation of waste products or excess salts and water in the absence of urine production. Sometimes, a kidney biopsy (nephroscopy) may be required to achieve an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment.