Among the many causes of AKI are shock, severe infection, trauma, medications,
and obstruction. It is often part of multiple organ dysfunction in the critical care setting.
Despite improvements in dialysis therapy and nutrition support, the mortality of AKI
continues to be 50% to 60% (Brown, Compher, and the American Society for Parenteral
and Enteral Nutrition [ASPEN] Board of Directors, 2010). The poor prognosis is
related mainly to the degree of underlying illness and associated hypercatabolism. The
primary focus of treatment is to treat the underlying disorder to prevent permanent renal
damage.