Burden and Outcomes of Pregnancy-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Niger

Introduction: AKI remains a public health issue in developing countries, and is associated with an increased risk CKD (chronic kidney disease) and mortality. Methodology:A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023, collating information among pregnant women admitted to the National Hospital, Zinder.Results: 47 pregnant women were included in the study, out of 344 hospitalized cases of AKI.The mean age of the patients was 27 years.Only 13% (N=6) of the patients had a history of hypertension.Approximately 60% (N=28) had more than one pregnancy (multiparous), and 64% (N=30) did not receive antenatal care before presentation.Approximately one-third (N=17, 36%) of the participants had given birth at home.The average serum creatinine was >500umol/L in 81% of the patients (N=38), and 38.3% (N=18) of the patients were anuric.Spontaneous recovery of kidney function was noticed in 34,04% (N=16) of patients, and one case was lost from view (2,13%).About 29,79% (N=14) had persistent impairment of kidney function at follow-up, meeting the criteria for CKD diagnosis.34,04% of patients died with AKI due to a lack of dialysis access.Approximately 68% (N=31) of the survivors lost their babies. Conclusion:Pregnancy-associated AKI is an adverse consequence of high mortality (among mothers and babies) and the risk of developing CKD.Concerted efforts are needed with the support of international stakeholder organizations towards the provision of optimal antenatal care as well as AKI prevention measures at all levels of healthcare delivery in this very low resource setting.