Multiple blood gas variables predict AKI survival in an independent manner

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is becoming increasingly prevalent among hospitalized patients and carries a poor prognosis. While new biomarkers show promise in identifying early stages of AKI, accurately predicting severe outcomes such as the need for kidney replacement therapy (KRT) or death remains a challenge. However, blood gas analyses (BGA) can be used to diagnose life-threatening complications associated with AKI. The objective of this study was to assess the role of BGA as a biomarker panel in both emerging and established cases of AKI.

Retrospective observational study examining subjects with newly developed acute kidney injury (AKI). The study will document venous and arterial pH, pCO2, and actual bicarbonate levels upon hospital admission and at the onset of AKI. The primary endpoints include in-hospital mortality, the need for kidney replacement therapy (KRT), and the recovery of kidney function (ROKF).

A total of 202 individuals were included in the study. Three variables were found to be independent predictors of in-hospital survival: admission arterial pH, arterial pH at acute kidney injury (AKI) onset, and arterial pCO2 at AKI onset. Additionally, venous pCO2 at AKI onset was identified as an independent predictor for the need of kidney replacement therapy (KRT).

Our study suggests that blood gas analysis may have a potential role in predicting severe outcome variables in acute kidney injury (AKI). The associated costs are minimal.