High incidence of acute kidney injury among patients with major trauma at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda: risk factors and overall survival

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and life-threatening complication of major trauma. Recognition is often delayed and management is frequently sub-optimal. We determined the incidence, risk factors and immediate outcomes of AKI in patients with major trauma at Mulago National Referral Hospital. METHODS: This was a prospective study. We recruited adult patients with ISS of > 16. The KDIGO criteria was used to stage AKI. Serum creatinine was measured at baseline, 24, 48, 72 hours and on discharge from the study. Participants were followed up for seven days if not yet discharged. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was done using modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors. RESULTS: 224 patients were recruited. The incidence was 67/1000 persons per day. The risk factors were male sex, delayed presentation, hypoglycemia at admission, RR=1.62 (95%CI 1.24–2.12) and non-operative management RR=1.39 (95%CI 1.02–1.89). Out of the 62 patients that died, 34 (54.8%) had AKI. The overall mortality rate was 39.5 patients per thousand per day. CONCLUSION: There was a high incidence of AKI among patients with major trauma. Efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality should be prioritized.