What are common causes of acute kidney injury?

Acute kidney injury (AKI) can occur due to a variety of factors, with dehydration and nephrotoxic drugs being two of the most common causes. Dehydration can lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and potential damage to the kidney tissue. This impairment can quickly escalate to acute kidney injury if the underlying problem is not resolved.

Nephrotoxic drugs, which include a range of medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, and contrast agents used in imaging studies, can directly harm the kidneys. These substances can lead to cellular damage or disrupt the kidney's ability to filter waste from the bloodstream effectively.

Therefore, the combination of dehydration and exposure to nephrotoxic agents makes this choice a pertinent explanation of common causes of acute kidney injury, highlighting the importance of addressing fluid balance and being cautious with potentially harmful medications in patients susceptible to kidney issues.