Purpose of review: The incidence of acute kidney injury has been steadily increasing. The development of any degree of kidney injury is associated with worse outcomes. Therefore, the ability to risk stratify patients and to predict prognosis is essential to properly educate the patient and family, appropriately utilize healthcare resources, and provide therapeutic interventions that may improve outcomes.
Recent findings: Numerous biomarkers and clinical prediction models have been developed that improve our ability to predict which patients will progress to higher stages of chronic kidney disease, require dialysis, or survive. The integration of biomarkers in predictive models will likely provide the best information. Further investigation will be required to validate the utility of these tools.
Summary: Early risk stratification for acute kidney injury can aid clinical decision making. The use of various biomarkers and predictive clinical models will improve the ability to appropriately utilize resources and provide useful prognostic information.