Management of acute renal dysfunction in sepsis.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) often complicates sepsis, leading to greater complexity and a worsening prognosis. Advances in the clinical management of sepsis may have secondary benefits with respect to renal outcomes. In critically ill patients, this disorder typically produces multiple organ dysfunction. Among the several disorders encountered in sepsis, AKI is one of the most important because it is a life-threatening condition, increases the complexity and cost of care, and is an independent risk factor for mortality. The potential interventions in sepsis-related AKI consist of effective prevention/protection strategies for the kidney in patients at risk, early recognition and attenuation of renal damage, pathophysiology-driven pharmacologic support, efficient extracorporeal blood purification therapy, and strategies that promote recovery of renal function. Existing and hybrid extracorporeal therapies are being investigated not only as means to replace lost kidney function, but also to modulate the immune response to sepsis.