Outcome and Associated Clinical Features of Neonates with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) admitted in NICU of a Tertiary care set up: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To determine the clinical features, risk factors and outcome of neonates developed early AKI in neonates admitted in NICU of a tertiary care set up. Methodology: This Cross sectional study was conducted at Neonatal ICUs of Fatima memorial hospital Lahore, from November 2022 to October 2023. A total of 50 newborns diagnosed with AKI were enrolled, using KIDGO modified definition. Data included demographic details along with maternal history, clinical data of the neonates, laboratory parameters and complications. Risk factors were also assessed and the neonates were followed till the outcome. Results: Out of 50 neonates, 27 (54%) were male and 23 (46%) were female. 29 (58%) were preterm while 21 (42%) term neonates. Results showed that gestational hypertension, abnormality in the liquor, use of drugs during pregnancy, preterm gestational age, low birth weight, IUGR are the significant risk factors and related to neonatal mortality in AKI. The results showed that BUN and urine output were the two parameters that were very much related to the severity of the disease and was further used for prediction of mortality. Conclusion: AKI is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in critically ill newborns specially who are preterm, or born with low birth weight and IUGR. Neonates with elevated BUN and low urine output are more prone to adverse outcome.