Acute Kidney Injury Epidemiology: From Recognition to Intervention.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is very common among hospitalized patients, and the incidence of AKI has increased over the past few decades. This increase might be due to an aging population and increased comorbidities. Other factors that may explain this are the more sensitive diagnostic criteria and better recognition. AKI is associated with increased mortality and increased risks of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. The best ways to lower the chances of having kidney damage are to prevent, recognize and treat AKI as early as possible. The incidence of AKI in China is significantly lower than in developed countries. Inadequate early diagnosis and management remain the major challenges for Chinese nephrologists.