Fluid accumulation and acute kidney injury: consequence or cause

Purpose of review Fluid accumulation and fluid overload are frequent findings in critically ill patients and in those suffering from severe acute kidney injury. This review focuses on the consequences associated with fluid overload in critically ill patients with or without associated acute kidney injury and discusses the potential mechanisms by which acute kidney injury can contribute to fluid overload and whether fluid overload can also contribute to kidney dysfunction. Recent findings Fluid overload has recently been linked to adverse outcomes in critically ill patients suffering from acute kidney injury. However, whether significant fluid accumulation can contribute to acute kidney injury has not been investigated. Summary Fluid overload is independently associated with increased mortality in patients with acute kidney injury and contributes to worsen outcomes in critically ill patients. Further studies are required to determine the influence of fluid overload on organ function and overall prognosis.