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Cancer patients admitted to ICUs with AKI or who develop AKI during their ICU stay have increased risk of morbidity and mortality. AKI in cancer patients is typically multi-factorial:
Causes indirectly related to malignancy
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Septic, cardiogenic, or hypovolemic shock (most common)
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Nephrotoxins:
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Aminoglycosides
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Contrast-induced nephropathy
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Chemotherapy
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Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome
Causes directly related to malignancy
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Tumor-lysis syndrome
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Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
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Obstruction of urinary tract by malignancy
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Multiple Myeloma of the kidney
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Hypercalcemia
Because AKI increases the already elevated morbidity and mortality in these patients, prevention (e.g., using low-osmolar IV contrast, avoiding nephrotoxins), early identification (e.g., strict attention to urine output and renal function), and aggressive treatment (e.g., early initiation of renal replacement therapy) is essential.
References
Benoit D. Acute kidney injury in critically ill patients with cancer. Critical Care Clinics 2010 Jan; 26(1): 151-79
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