What is a common cause of acute kidney injury?

Acute kidney injury (AKI) can occur due to various factors, one of which is hypovolemia. Hypovolemia refers to a decreased volume of blood in the body, which can lead to decreased renal perfusion. When the kidneys do not receive sufficient blood flow, they cannot adequately filter waste products and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, resulting in injury. Hypovolemia can stem from conditions such as severe dehydration, loss of blood due to trauma or surgery, or acute illnesses that resulted in fluid loss.

While dehydration is related to reduced fluid volume and can certainly contribute to hypovolemia, hypovolemia itself is a more direct cause of acute kidney injury as it specifically highlights the lack of adequate blood volume reaching the kidneys. Although dehydration tends to be one of the underlying causes leading to hypovolemia, hypovolemia encompasses a broader range of conditions that can ultimately compromise kidney function.

Hypertension is associated with chronic kidney disease rather than acute kidney injury, as it usually results from long-standing kidney damage. Diabetes mellitus can also lead to chronic kidney issues but is less likely to cause acute kidney injury in an immediate context compared to the direct effects of hypovolemia.