In the inpatient setting, a high proportion of nephrology consultations are requested for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). These patients may have acute kidney injury (AKI) or may be critically ill and have end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Thus, nephrologists need to understand recent evidence-based advances in the field of critical care, as well as areas of ongoing controversy and investigation. In this article, we summarize the diagnosis and management of shock, as well as the management of sepsis, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS), and fulminant hepatic failure, all of which are associated with high mortality in the critical care setting. We discuss infectious complications of critical care, including ventilator-associated pneumonia and catheter-related infections. Supportive care, including nutrition, insulin therapy, and anemia management, are reviewed. Dialysis considerations in critically ill patients are discussed. Last, we review the management of several life-threatening intoxications, many of which require early recognition and consideration of dialysis.
展开▼
