Acute kidney injury is defined as an abrupt change in serum creatinine and or urine output and
a majority of patients admitted to the ICU have some evidence of the disorder. Unfortunately
treatment for this complex syndrome is as yet lacking and understanding is limited. An
interdisciplinary panel of experts has contributed to this volume illuminating some of the
fundamental and complex aspects of the disorder ranging from pathophysiology to treatment from
emerging biomarkers to genetic polymorphisms. Other contributions focus on immunological issues
or the many complications of acute kidney injury and co-morbid conditions encountered covering
the fundamentals as well as the latest developments. Moreover important technical aspects of
extracorporeal therapies including vascular access anticoagulation or fluid composition are
introduced and different approaches to renal support from intermittent dialysis to continuous
therapies and hybrid techniques are discussed. A description of advanced extracorporeal
techniques of organ support and their role in the management of sepsis and acute kidney injury
in the context of an overall strategy of multi-organ failure management concludes the
discussions. This volume not only provides a practical and up-to-date summary of current
knowledge and technology but also imparts a fundamental understanding of the pathogenesis and
likely future developments in this field. It also serves to challenge and re-examine the
fundamental underlying assumptions we hold regarding critical illness in general and acute
kidney injury in particular.
