When inflammation goes overboaRd

AKI—a sudden and temporary loss of kidney function—can be caused by a wide range of conditions, such as COVID-19, sepsis, severe trauma, and surgery and can lead to end stage renal disease^1-4. In critically-ill patients with AKI, a dysregulated immune response can lead to hyperinflammation. This aggressive response contributes to significant morbidity, including prolonged length of stay in the ICU, increased reliance on dialysis & mechanical ventilation, and increased hospital costs⁵.  Damage resulting from this dysregulated response in AKI can progress to other organs, such as the heart or liver.  Multi-organ dysfunction (or even failure) can lead to worse outcomes, including cardiovascular events and an increased risk of death^{6, 7}.  Even after resolution, these patients may face chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis, or other complications which can further contribute to increased healthcare utilization costs^8-11.