Cystatin C is a biomarker for predicting acute kidney injury in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure

AIM:To investigate serum cystatin C level as an early biomarker for predicting acute kidney injury(AKI)in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF).METHODS:Fifty-six consecutive patients with hepatitis B virus-related ACLF who had normal serum creatinine(Cr)level(<1.2 mg/dL in men,or<1.1 mg/dL in women)were enrolled in the Liver Failure Treatment and Research Center of Beijing 302 Hospital between August 2011 and October 2012.Thirty patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB)and 30 healthy controls in the same study period were also included.Measurement of serum cystatin C(CysC)was performed by a particle-enhanced immunonephelometry assay using the BN Prospec nephelometer system.The ACLF patients were followed during their hospitalization period.RESULTS:In the ACLF group,serum level of CysC was 1.1±0.4 mg/L,which was significantly higher(P<0.01)than those in the healthy controls(0.6±0.3mg/L)and CHB patients(0.7±0.2 mg/L).During the hospitalization period,eight ACLF patients developed AKI.Logistic regression analysis indicated that CysC level was an independent risk factor for AKI development(odds ratio=1.8;95%CI:1.4-2.3,P=0.021).The cutoff value of serum CysC for prediction of AKI in ACLF patients was 1.21 mg/L.The baseline CysC-based estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR CysC)was significantly lower than the creatinine-based eGFR(eGFR CG and eGFR MDRD)in ACLF patients with AKI,suggesting that baseline eGFR CysC represented early renal function in ACLF patients while the Cr levels were still within the normal ranges.CONCLUSION:Serum CysC provides early prediction of renal dysfunction in ACLF patients with a normal serum Cr level.

Acute kidney injury in acute-on-chronic liver failure is different from in decompensated cirrhosis

AIM To evaluate the differences in acute kidney injury(AKI) between acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF) and decompensated cirrhosis(DC) patients. METHODS During the period from December 2015 to July 2017, 280 patients with hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related ACLF(HBV-ACLF) and 132 patients with HBV-related DC(HBV-DC) who were admitted to our center were recruited consecutively into an observational study. Urine specimens were collected from all subjects and the levels of five urinary tubular injury biomarkers were detected,including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL), interleukin-18(IL-18), liver-type fatty acid binding protein(L-FABP), cystatin C(CysC), and kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1). Simultaneously, the patient demographics, occurrence and progression of AKI, and response to terlipressin therapy were recorded. All patients were followed up for 3 mo or until death after enrollment. RESULTS AKI occurred in 71 and 28 of HBV-ACLF and HBV-DC patients, respectively(25.4% vs 21.2%, P = 0.358). Among all patients, the levels of four urinary biomarkers(NGAL, CysC, L-FABP, IL-18) were significantly elevated in patients with HBV-ACLF and AKI(ACLF-AKI), compared with that in patients with HBV-DC and AKI(DC-AKI) or those without AKI. There was a higher proportion of patients with AKI progression in ACLF-AKI patients than in DC-AKI patients(49.3% vs 17.9%, P = 0.013). Fortythree patients with ACLF-AKI and 19 patients with DC-AKI were treated with terlipressin. The response rate of ACLFAKI patients was significantly lower than that of patients with DC-AKI(32.6% vs 57.9%, P = 0.018). Furthermore, patients with ACLF-AKI had the lowest 90 d survival rates among all groups(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION AKI in ACLF patients is more likely associated with structural kidney injury, and is more progressive, with a poorer response to terlipressin treatment and a worse prognosis than that in DC patients.

Acute kidney injury spectrum in patients with chronic liver disease:Where do we stand?

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis and is of the utmost clinical and prognostic relevance. Patients with cirrhosis, especially decompensated cirrhosis, are more prone to develop AKI than those without cirrhosis. The hepatorenal syndrome type of AKI (HRS–AKI), a spectrum of disorders in prerenal chronic liver disease, and acute tubular necrosis (ATN) are the two most common causes of AKI in patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Differentiating these conditions is essential due to the differences in treatment. Prerenal AKI, a more benign disorder, responds well to plasma volume expansion, while ATN requires more specific renal support and is associated with substantial mortality. HRS–AKI is a facet of these two conditions, which are characterized by a dysregulation of the immune response. Recently, there has been progress in better defining this clinical entity, and studies have begun to address optimal care. The present review synopsizes the current diagnostic criteria, pathophysiology, and treatment modalities of HRS–AKI and as well as AKI in other chronic liver diseases (non-HRS–AKI) so that early recognition of HRS–AKI and the appropriate management can be established.

Relationship between acute kidney injury before thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair and in-hospital outcomes in patients with type B acute aortic dissection

Objective Acute kidney injury （AKI） frequently occurs after catheter-based interventional procedures and increases mortality. However, the implications of AKI before thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair （TEVAR） of type B acute aortic dissection （AAD） remain unclear. This study evaluated the incidence, predictors, and in-hospital outcomes of AKI before TEVAR in patients with type B AAD. Methods Between 2009 and 2013, 76 patients were retrospectively evaluated who received TEVAR for type B AAD within 36 h from symptom onset. The patients were classified into no-AKI vs. AKI groups, and the severity of AKI was further staged according to kidney disease： im- proving global outcomes criteria before TEVAR. Results The incidence of preoperative AKI was 36.8%. In-hospital complications was significantly higher in patients with preoperative AKI compared with no-AKI （50.0% vs. 4.2%, respectively; P 〈 0.001）, including acute renal failure （21.4% vs. O, respectively; P 〈 0.001）, and they increased with severity of AKI （P 〈 0.001）. The maximum levels of body tem- perature and white blood cell count were significantly related to maximum serum creatinine level before TEVAR. Multivariate analysis showed that systolic blood pressure on admission （OR： 1.023; 95% CI： 1.003-1.044; P ： 0.0238） and bilateral renal artery involvement （OR： 19.076; 95% CI： 1.914 190.164; P = 0.0120） were strong predictors of preoperative AKI. Conclusions Preoperative AKI frequently occurred in patients with type B AAD, and correlated with higher in-hospital complications and enhanced inflammatory reaction. Systolic blood pressure on admission and bilateral renal artery involvement were major risk factors for AKI before TEVAR.

Prognostic impact of atrial fibrillation on clinical outcomes of acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease

Atrial fibrillation(AF) is the most common type of sustained arrhythmia,which is now on course to reach epidemic proportions in the elderly population. AF is a commonly encountered comorbidity in patients with cardiac and major non-cardiac diseases. Morbidity and mortality associated with AF makes it a major healthcare burden. The objective of our article is to determine the prognostic impact of AF on acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Multiple studies have been conducted to determine if AF has an independent role in the overall mortality of such patients. Our review suggests that AF has an independent adverse prognostic impact on the clinical outcomes of acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease.

Intraoperative Blood Glucose Levels and Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Pediatric Patients Having Congenital Heart Surgery under Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Purpose:This study sought to explore the effect of intraoperative mean blood glucose levels and variability on postoperative acute kidney injury(AKI)in children undergoing congenital cardiac surgery.Methods:We conducted a prospective nested case-control study in children(age<18 years)undergoing congenital heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB)at the Fuwai Hospital between April 01,2022 and July 30,2022.Cases were individuals who developed AKI within the first postoperative 7 days(AKI group)and controls were those without AKI(Non-AKI group)according to KDIGO criteria.AKI and Non-AKI groups unmatched and 1:1 matched by age,sex,and baseline serum creatinine were separately analyzed.Multivariate logistic and conditional logistic regressions were used to assess the associations between blood glucose variables and AKI.Results:688 consecutively approached patients were included in the final analysis.On multivariate analysis,intra-CPB(adjusted odds ratio[OR]0.802;95%confidence interval[CI],0.706 to 0.912;p=0.001)and post-CPB(adjusted OR 0.830;95%CI,0.744 to 0.925;p=0.001)blood glucose levels were associated with postoperative AKI.There were no significant differences in pre-CPB blood glucose(adjusted OR 0.926;95%CI,0.759 to 1.129;p=0.446)or intraoperative glycemic fluctuations(adjusted OR 0.905;95%CI,0.723 to 1.132;p=0.382)between AKI and Non-AKI groups.Results based on matched cases and controls were consistent with those from the unmatched analyses.Conclusion:Higher intraoperative blood glucose levels during and after CPB were protective factors against postoperative AKI in pediatric patients after congenital heart surgery.

Acute kidney injury associated with consumption of starfruit juice: A case report

BACKGROUND This study aims to highlight the potential serious complications of acute kidney injury(AKI)resulting from the consumption of excessive amounts of starfruit,a common traditional remedy.CASE SUMMARY A 78-year-old male with a past medical history of hypertension,diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia without prior nephropathy presented to the emergency department(ED)with hiccups,nausea,vomiting and generalized weakness.In the preceding 1 wk,he had consumed 3 bottles of concentrated juice self-prepared from 1 kg of small sour starfruits.His serum creatinine was noted to be 1101μmol/L from baseline normal prior to his ED visit.He was diagnosed with AKI secondary to excessive starfruit consumption.CONCLUSION Consumption of starfruit can cause acute renal failure,with a good outcome when promptly identified and treated.

Causal relationship between hypoalbuminemia and acute kidney injury

Our meta-analysis published in 2010 provided evidence that low levels of serum albumin （hypoalbuminemia） are a signifcant independent predictor of acute kidney injury （AKI） and death following AKI. Since then, a large volume of additional data from observational clinical studies has been published further evaluating the relationship between serum albumin and AKI occurrence. This is an updated review of the literature to re-evaluate the hypothesis that hypoalbuminemia is independently associated with increased AKI risk. Eligible studies published from September 2009 to December 2016 were sought in PubMed （MEDLINE） and forty-three were retained, the great majority being retrospective observational cohort studies. These included a total of about 68000 subjects across a diverse range of settings, predominantly cardiac surgery and acute coronary interventions, infectious diseases, transplant surgery, and cancer. Appraisal of this latest data set served to conclusively corroborate and confirm our earlier hypothesis that lower serum albumin is an independent predictor both of AKI and death after AKI, across a range of clinical scenarios. The body of evidence indicates that hypoalbuminemia may causally contribute to development of AKI. Furthermore, administration of human albumin solution has the po-tential to prevent AKI; a randomized, controlled study provides evidence that correcting hypoalbuminemia may be renal-protective. Therefore, measurement of serum albumin to diagnose hypoalbuminemia may help identify high-risk patients who may beneft from treatment with exogenous human albumin. Multi-center, prospective, randomized, interventional studies are warranted, along with basic research to define the mechanisms throughwhich albumin affords nephroprotection.

Cardiorenal biomarkers in acute heart failure

Managing patients with heart failure （HF） is a challenging task within itself, but the presence of associated worsening renal function can greatly increase mortality and morbidity. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to prevent re-hospitalizations and reduce healthcare costs. Biomarkers have long been established as highly sensitive and specific tools in diagnosing and prognosticating patients with HF. Reflecting distinct pathophysiological events and ongoing cellular insult, biomarkers have been proven superior to conventional laboratory tests. Availability of better assays and rapid analysis has allowed the use of biomarkers as point-of-care tests in the emergency department and at the patient＇s bed-side. Acute HF patients often go on to develop worsening renal function, termed as acute cardiorenal syndrome. The growing breadth of studies has shown the implications of combining multiple biomarkers to better chart outcomes and produce desirable results in such patients.

Effect of Angiotensin Receptor-neprilysin Inhibitor on Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Objective:The risk of acute kidney injury(AKI)is high in patients with acute decompensated heart failure(ADHF).The aim of this study is to analyze the role of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(uNGAL)in diagnosing AKI in patients with ADHF and evaluate the therapeutic effect of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor(ARNI)on AKI.Method:Sixty patients with ADHF were enrolled at the First Affiliated Hospital of Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University from January 2020 to June 2021,and randomized into 2 groups(ARNI group:30 patients treated with tablets of sacubitril valsartan sodium;and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor(ACEI)group:30 patients treated with benazepril).The uNGAL level was measured immediately after as well as 1,2,3,and 7 d after hospital admission.The serum creatinine(sCr)level and estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)were measured immediately as well as 2 and 7 d after hospital admission.The urine volume,dose of loop diuretics,and duration of hospital stay(DoHS)were recorded.Result:The most valuable diagnostic metric for AKI in patients with ADHF was the uNGAL level 1 d after hospital admission,which had a sensitivity of 0.94,specificity of 0.84,and optimal cutoff of 125.62μg/L.In the presence of AKI,during the first 2 d,patients in the ARNI-AKI and ACEI-AKI groups showed an increase in the sCr level and a reduction in the eGFR level,but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups(P>0.05).After 7 d of treatment,the sCr level decreased and the eGFR level increased in both groups,with a significantly greater changes being observed in the ARNI-AKI group than in the ACEI-AKI group(P<0.05,respectively).In the absence of AKI,the difference in the sCr level and eGFR between the 2 groups was not significant.The DoHS((11.25±2.38)d vs.(14.11±2.89)d),urinary microalbumin level((22.95±6.04)mg/L vs.(31.91±2.18)mg/L),and daily dose of loop diuretics((19.03±3.04)mg/d vs.(23.62±4.46)mg/d)were significantly lower in patients with AKI in the ARNI group than in the ACEI group(P<0.05,respectively).Conclusion:In patients with ADHF,uNGAL measurement enables the diagnosis of AKI earlier than that using the sCr level by 1 to 2 d.ARNI treatment reduced the sCr level,facilitated eGFR recovery,reduced the daily dose of loop diuretics,and decreased the DoHS compared with that in patients receive ACEI treatment.

Challenges facing early detection of acute kidney injury in the critically ill

Recent advances in the detection of acute kidney injury(AKI) afford the possibility of early intervention. Proteomics and genomics have identified many markers of tubular cell injury, some of which are manifest in the urine. One trial has used novel injury biomarkers to recruit patients to an intervention prior to an elevation in plasma creatinine. This trial and other recent studies have shown that the use of biomarkers of injury will depend on the time the patient presents following insult to the kidney, the likely cause of that insult, and the pre-injury renal function of that patient. The definition of AKI is likely to change in the near future to include a measure of injury. We anticipate novel therapies becoming available following successful trials that utilize the methodology of early intervention following an elevated injury biomarker.

Incidence and peri-operative risk factors for development of acute kidney injury in patients after cardiac surgery:A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND Patients admitted to intensive care unit(ICU) after cardiac surgery develop acute kidney injury(AKI) immediately post-operation. We hypothesized that AKI occurs mainly due to perioperative risk factors and may affect outcome.AIM To assess peri-operative risk factors for AKI post cardiac surgery and its relationship with clinical outcome.METHODS This was an observational single center, tertiary care setting study, which enrolled 206 consecutive patients, admitted to ICU after cardiac surgery. Patients were followed-up until ICU discharge or death, in order to determine the incidence of AKI, perioperative risk factors for AKI and its association with outcome.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess predictor variables for AKI development.RESULTS After ICU admission, 55 patients(26.7%) developed AKI within 48 h. From the logistic regression analysis performed, high EuroScore Ⅱ(OR: 1.18;95%CI: 1.06-1.31, P = 0.003), white blood cells(WBC) pre-operatively(OR: 1.0;95%CI: 1.0-1.0, P = 0.002) and history of chronic kidney disease(OR: 2.82;95%CI: 1.195-6.65, P = 0.018) emerged as independent predictors of AKI among univariate predictors. AKI that developed AKI had longer duration of mechanical ventilation [1113(777–2195) vs 714(511–1020) min, P = 0.0001] and ICU length of stay [70(28–129) vs 26(21–51) h, P = 0.0001], higher rate of ICU-acquired weakness(16.4% vs 5.3%, P =0.015), reintubation(10.9% vs 1.3%, P = 0.005), dialysis(7% vs 0%, P = 0.005), delirium(36.4% vs 23.8%, P = 0.001) and mortality(3.6% vs 0.7%, P = 0.046).CONCLUSION Patients present frequently with AKI after cardiac surgery. EuroScore Ⅱ, WBC count and chronic kidney disease are independent predictors of AKI development. The occurrence of AKI is associated with poor outcome.

Literature review of the mechanisms of acute kidney injury secondary to acute liver injury

People exposed to liver ischaemia reperfusion(IR)injury often develop acute kidney injury and the combination is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Molecular mediators released by the liver in response to IR injury are the likely cause of acute kidney injury(AKI)in this setting,but the mediators have not yet been identified.Identifying the mechanism of injury will allow the identification of therapeutic targets which may modulate both liver IR injury and AKI following liver IR injury.

Understanding acute kidney injury (AKI) in liver cirrhosis from the acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) perspective

In the field of hepatology,managing complications in patients with liver diseases is of paramount importance.Among these,acute kidney injury(AKI)in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF)stands out due to its prevalence and significant impact on patient outcomes(1,2).AKI in ACLF differs substantially from AKI in simple liver cirrhosis in its clinical significance(3).AKI developed in ACLF is a manifestation of a multi-organ failure syndrome and is closely associated with a high mortality rate and severe complications.

Hepatorenal syndrome in acute-on-chronic liver failure with acute kidney injury:more questions requiring discussion

In cirrhosis with ascites,hepatorenal syndrome(HRS)is a specific prerenal dysfunction unresponsive to fluid volume expansion.Acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF)comprises a group of clinical syndromes with multiple organ failure and early high mortality.There are differences in the characterization of ACLF between the Eastern and Western medical communities.Patients with ACLF and acute kidney injury(AKI)have more structural injuries,contributing to confusion in diagnosing HRS-AKI.In this review,we discuss progress in the pathogenesis,diagnosis,and management of HRS-AKI,especially in patients with ACLF.Controversy regarding HRS-AKI in ACLF and acute liver failure,hepatic carcinoma,shock,sepsis,and chronic kidney disease is also discussed.Research on the treatment of HRS-AKI with ACLF needs to be more actively pursued to improve disease prognosis.

Morbidity and prognosis of acute decompensated heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction accompanied by myocardial injury

Objective To investigate the prognostic value of cardiactroponin I in acute decompensated heart failure( ADHF ) patients with preserved ejection fraction.Methods We included 326 consecutive ADHF patientswith preserved ejection fraction from January 2016 to January2017. Patients were divided into two groups basedon cardiac troponin I levels. Group A included patientswith elevated troponin I level (cTnI≥0. 04 ng /ml) andgroup B included patients with normal troponin I level(cTnI < 0. 04 ng /ml). BNP levels,length of hospitalstay,readmission rate,30-day and 180-day all-causemortality were compared between the two groups. Results(1) There were 185 patients ( 56. 7%) in thegroup A and 141 patients in the group B. (2) Male ratio(44. 9% vs 32. 6%,P < 0. 05),serum creatinine levelsat admission ([120. 6 ± 48. 2]μmmol /L vs [107. 4 ±51. 2]μmmol /L,P < 0. 05),BNP levels([846 ± 575]pg /ml vs [423 ± 387] pg /ml,P < 0. 05),30-day and180-day all-cause mortality (5. 4% vs 0. 7%,9. 2% vs2. 8%,P < 0. 05) were all significantly higher in groupA than in group B.

Risk factors of acute renal injury in patients with acute left heart failure

Objective To investigate the risk factors of acute renal injury(acute kidney injury)in patients with acute left heart failure.Methods Clinical data of 188 patients with acute left heart failure who were admitted to our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk factors for AKI.

Kidneys in chronic liver diseases

Acute kidney injury(AKI),defined as an abrupt increase in the serum creatinine level by at least 0.3 mg/dL,occurs in about 20% of patients hospitalized for decompensating liver cirrhosis.Patients with cirrhosis are susceptible to developing AKI because of the progressive vasodilatory state,reduced effective blood volume and stimulation of vasoconstrictor hormones.The most common causes of AKI in cirrhosis are pre-renal azotemia,hepatorenal syndrome and acute tubular necrosis.Differential diagnosis is based on analysis of circumstances of AKI development,natriuresis,urine osmolality,response to withdrawal of diuretics and volume repletion,and rarely on renal biopsy.Chronic glomerulonephritis and obstructive uropathy are rare causes of azotemia in cirrhotic patients.AKI is one of the last events in the natural history of chronic liver disease,therefore,such patients should have an expedited referral for liver transplantation.Hepatorenal syndrome(HRS) is initiated by progressive portal hypertension,and may be prematurely triggered by bacterial infections,nonbacterial systemic inflammatory reactions,excessive diuresis,gastrointestinal hemorrhage,diarrhea or nephrotoxic agents.Each type of renal disease has a specific treatment approach ranging from repletion of the vascular system to renal replacement therapy.The treatment of choice in type 1 hepatorenal syndrome is a combination of vasoconstrictor with albumin infusion,which is effective in about 50% of patients.The second-line treatment of HRS involves a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt,renal vasoprotection or systems of artificial liver support.

Evaluation of acute kidney injury as defined by the risk, injury, failure, loss, and end-stage criteria in critically ill patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Background Acute kidney injury （AKI） is considered as a common and significant complication following abdominal aortic aneurysm （AAA） repair. This study aimed to assess the associated risk factors of AKI in the critically ill patients undergoing AAA repair and to evaluate the appropriate AKI management in the specific population. Methods We retrospectively examined data from all critically ill patients undergoing AAA repairs at our institution from April 2007 to March 2012. Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors associated with postoperative AKI, which was defined by risk, injury, failure, loss and end-stage （RIFLE） kidney disease criteria. The goal-directed hemodynamic optimization （maintenance of optimal hemodynamics and neutral or negative fluid balance） and renal outcomes were also reviewed. Results Of the 71 patients enrolled, 32 （45.1%） developed AKI, with 30 （93.8%） cases diagnosed on admission to surgical intensive care unit （SICU）. Risk factors for AKI were ruptured AAA （odds ratio （OR）=5.846, 95% confidence interval （CI）： 1.346-25.390）, intraoperative hypotension （OR=6.008, 95% CI： 1.176 to 30.683）, and perioperative blood transfusion （OR=4.611, 95% CI： 1.307-16.276）. Goal-directed hemodynamic optimization resulted in 75.0% complete and 18.8% partial renal recovery. Overall in-hospital mortality was 2.8%. AKI was associated with significantly increased length of stay （（136.9±24.5） hours vs. （70.4±11.3） hours） in Surgical Intensive Care Unit. Conclusions Critically ill patients undergoing AAA repair have a high incidence of AKI, which can be early recognized by RIFLE criteria. Rupture, hypotension, and blood transfusion are the significant associated risk factors. Application of goal-directed hemodynamic optimization in this cohort appeared to be effective in improving renal outcome.

Chronic kidney disease prediction is an inexact science: The concept of “progressors” and “nonprogressors”

In 2002,the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative(NKF KDOQI)instituted new guidelines that established a novel chronic kidney disease(CKD)staging paradigm.This set of guidelines,since updated,is now very widely accepted around the world.Nevertheless,the authoritative United States Preventative Task Force had in August 2012acknowledged that we know surprisingly little about whether screening adults with no signs or symptoms of CKD improve health outcomes and that we deserve better information on CKD.More recently,the American Society of Nephrology and the American College of Physicians,two very well respected United States professional physician organizations were strongly at odds coming out with exactly opposite recommendations regarding the need or otherwise for"CKD screening"among the asymptomatic population.In this review,we revisit the various angles and perspectives of these conflicting arguments,raise unanswered questionsregarding the validity and veracity of the NKF KDOQI CKD staging model,and raise even more questions about the soundness of its evidence-base.We show clinical evidence,from a Mayo Clinic Health System Renal Unit in Northwestern Wisconsin,United States,of the pitfalls of the current CKD staging model,show the inexactitude and unpredictable vagaries of current CKD prediction models and call for a more cautious and guarded application of CKD staging paradigms in clinical practice.The impacts of acute kidney injury on CKD initiation and CKD propagation and progression,the effects of such phenomenon as the syndrome of late onset renal failure from angiotensin blockade and the syndrome of rapid onset end stage renal disease on CKD initiation,CKD propagation and CKD progression to end stage renal disease all demand further study and analysis.Yet more research on CKD staging,CKD prognostication and CKD predictions are warranted.Finally and most importantly,cognizant of the very serious limitations and drawbacks of the NKF K/DOQI CKD staging model,the need to individualize CKD care,both in terms of patient care and prognostication,cannot be overemphasized.