Because of the morbidity and mortality associated with
acute kidney injury, it is important for primary care physicians
to identify patients who are at high risk of developing
this type of injury and to implement preventive strategies.
Those at highest risk include adults older than 75 years;
persons with diabetes or preexisting chronic kidney disease;
persons with medical problems such as cardiac failure,
liver failure, or sepsis; and those who are exposed to
contrast agents or who are undergoing cardiac surgery.28
Preventive strategies can be tailored to the clinical circumstances
of the individual patient