Elevated leukocyte count and creatinine predict mortality associated with AKI

A new study published in Journal of International Urology and Nephrology suggests that higher creatinine levels and leukocyte counts were linked to poor outcomes in sepsis ICU patients.

Acute kidney damage (AKI) is one of the most common pathophysiologic illnesses seen in hospitalized patients, and sepsis is commonly linked in its pathophysiology. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) appear to have a substantial role in sepsis-induced AKI. Proposed processes include cell membrane lipid peroxidation, protein denaturation, and direct DNA damage, all of which are harmful. These alterations are indicative of renal oxidative damage. As a result, Alaa Efat and colleagues undertook this study to assess the antioxidant effects of indirect bilirubin and uric acid on the outcomes of sepsis-related AKI.

For this study serum levels of uric acid, bilirubin (mainly indirect), and procalcitonin were measured in 98 patients hospitalized to the critical care unit of a large tertiary care institution with sepsis and AKI. The key outcomes investigated were the requirement for hemodialysis and mortality.

The key findings of this study were as follow:

1. Thirty-two (33%) individuals had AKI and required hemodialysis (HD).