Researchers have found in a new study that acute kidney injury is a common and serious complication in patients admitted to cardiac care units in low- to middle-income countries, leading to higher short-term mortality and longer hospital stays. The study, published in BMC Nephrology by Rahman A. and colleagues, evaluated the incidence, outcomes, and risk factors associated with acute kidney injury among patients receiving cardiac care. Findings revealed that individuals who developed acute kidney injury had markedly worse outcomes, emphasizing the need for early identification of high-risk patients to enable timely management and reduce complications.

The researchers noted that the prevalence of acute kidney injury in cardiac care settings is driven by multiple factors, including hemodynamic instability, use of nephrotoxic drugs, and pre-existing comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. These conditions can significantly impair renal perfusion and increase the likelihood of kidney injury following cardiac events. The study also found that patients with acute kidney injury required longer hospital stays and were more likely to experience additional complications such as electrolyte imbalance and fluid overload, both of which contribute to poorer recovery and greater healthcare burden.

The authors emphasized that preventive strategies—such as close monitoring of renal function, judicious use of contrast agents, and early correction of hemodynamic disturbances—can play a major role in improving outcomes. They also highlighted the importance of risk stratification tools in identifying vulnerable patients early during cardiac care unit admission. Strengthening hospital protocols to include kidney function surveillance may help lower mortality rates and shorten hospitalization. The findings reinforce that kidney injury should be viewed as a key prognostic factor in critically ill cardiac patients, deserving equal attention as the cardiac condition itself.