Use of Biomarkers to Optimize Fluid Dosing,CRRT Initiation and Discontinuation in Pediatric ICU Patients With AKI

Plain-language summary

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a common clinical problem defined by an abrupt (\< 48 hour) increase in serum creatinine (SCr) resulting from an injury or insult that causes a functional or structural change in the kidney. Despite significant advancements in the care of the critically ill child, mortality rates observed in critically ill children who develop AKI have not improved. The investigators have shown even "small" increases in SCr, which is the standard kidney function marker, are associated with increased child mortality, even when outcome was controlled for significant patient co-morbidity. Furthermore, the investigators have also shown that the amount of fluid accumulation observed in critically ill children with AKI is independently associated with mortality suggesting that earlier dialysis may improve survival. However, the investigators also do not want to dialyze patients who don't ultimately need dialysis, as it is an invasive procedure. The data cited above highlight the need not only to detect AKI early, but also predict it severity in order to optimize clinical decision making with respect to fluid administration and dialysis initiation. While substantial research has been expended to validate NGAL as an early marker of AKI, it has not been studied in the context of clinical decision support to guide a therapeutic intervention. The investigators hypothesize that NGAL levels can be used to determine predict which critically ill children will develop severe and prolonged AKI with substantial volume overload, thereby providing the clinician with a diagnostic tool to guide CRRT initiation.

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