In a study from the University of Pittsburgh, scientists found acute kidney injury (AKI), or a sudden case of kidney failure or kidney damage, can be a serious condition with long-term consequences.
They surveyed patients who survived AKI to reveal the extent of its physical, social, and emotional effects.
The study relies on an anonymous online survey that was completed by 124 survivors of AKI in 2020.
The team found that 84% of respondents reported that the AKI episode was very/extremely impactful on physical/emotional health.
57% reported being very/extremely concerned about the effects of AKI on work and 67% were concerned about effects on the family.
Only 52% of respondents rated medical team communication as very/extremely good.
Individuals ages 21–65 years at the time of the AKI episode were more likely than younger and older counterparts to rate the AKI episode as highly impactful overall (90% vs. 63% younger and 75% older), more impactful on family (78% vs. 50% and 46%) and more impactful on work (74% vs. 38% and 10%).
The results indicated that interventions are needed to improve the health-related quality of life of AKI survivors.
They also showed that healthcare professionals should provide more information when communicating with patients about AKI and follow-up care.
The team says this study provides critical new information about the potential severity and range of physical and emotional impacts of AKI.
These findings should lead to the development of novel strategies to address such impacts.”
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about how to protect your kidneys from diabetes, and sunlight could increase your risks of kidney damage.
For more information about kidney diseases, please see recent studies about common eating habits that could harm your kidney health, and results showing this common diabetes drug may reduce chronic kidney disease.
The study was published in Kidney360 and conducted by Galen E. Switzer, et al.
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