ABSTRACT
Aim: To describe the characteristics and outcomes of acute kidney injury [AKI] resulting in hospital admission in cancer patients managed at a comprehensive cancer center
Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted between December 2011 and July 2012. Patients admitted to the solid tumor service were screened to identify those who met the criteria of AKI upon admission. The identified cases were reviewed by two clinicians to determine the cause of AKI and to determine if AKI was the major cause for admission. Patient demographics, past medical and medication history were recorded. In addition, we evaluated patients for resolution of AKI
Results: During the study period, 103 cases were identified, 57.3% were males, mean age was 64 years +/- 11.2 [SD], 24 patients [23.3%] have diabetes, and 55 patients [53.4%] have hypertension. The most common causes of AKI were dehydration, medications, and tumor-related, reported in 40 [38.8%], 34 [33%], and 23 [22.3%] of these cases respectively. The most common medications associated with AKI were chemotherapy [n=13, 42%], mainly cisplatin [76.9%], followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [n=12, 38.7%]. Eleven patients [10.7%] progressed to chronic renal failure and three patients required hemodialysis. In the remaining cases, AKI resolved after a mean of 6.39 days +/- 3.73[SD]. Transfer to the intensive care unit was required for 4 patients and death was reported in 3 patients
Conclusion: AKI in cancer patients was mostly due to dehydration, medications, and the tumor. Measures to reduce the incidence of AKI are necessary to prevent unnecessary admission and the potential for further complications