Characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of community-acquired acute kidney injury in the elderly: a prospective tertiary hospital study, Egypt

BACKGROUND: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a public health problem. Elderly present a greater predisposition to the development of AKI, either due to kidney senility, or due to high prevalence of comorbidities and polypharmacy. Considering the scarcity of studies on AKI in the elderly particularly in developing countries, this study emphasizes on the pattern and outcome of AKI in the Egyptian elderly. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the demographics, risk factors and outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in the Egyptian elderly. METHODS: A total of 199 patients were included over one year and were divided into two groups; group I (79 elderly patients) and group II (120 non-elderly patients). The two groups were compared regarding demographics, risk factors and major outcomes including patient and renal survival. RESULTS: Elderly patients showed a higher prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and chronic kidney disease (p=0.004 and 0.005 respectively). Pre-renal causes of AKI principally dehydration represented the major risk factor (p=0.003). Sepsis and hypertension predicted mortality in the elderly (p=0.001 and 0.035 respectively). CONCLUSION: In our locality; the elderly is highly vulnerable to AKI. Pre-renal causes principally dehydration represent the main triggers of AKI. Sepsis and hypertension contribute to mortality in this population. Preventive strategies are crucial not only in the hospital but also at home.