Causes and outcome of pregnancy related acute kidney injury

Objective: To determine frequencies of causes and renal outcomes of pregnancy related acute kidney injury. Method: This descriptive case series study was conducted in Nephrology unit of a tertiary care hospital of Peshawar, from 1st August 2021 to 31st July 2022.A total of 100 patients with acute kidney injury secondary to obstetric conditions were enrolled via non-probability consecutive sampling technique. While patients with pre-existing renal disease, those with renal stones, or having bilateral small kidneys on ultrasound were excluded from the study. Patients were followed till 12 weeks postpartum period. Underlying obstetrical causes and outcome at 12 weeks postnatal period were determined. Results: The mean age of sample of 100 cases was 29.29 +/- 6.45. Mean serum creatinine at presentation was 6.5 +/- 3.13. Majority of patient, 89% were multigravidas. Seventy eight percent patients required hemodialysis. Primary postpartum hemorrhage remained the commonest underlying cause of pregnancy related acute kidney injury in this study. The frequency of persistent renal failure in Pr-AKI (pregnancy related acute kidney injury) in this study was 14%. In about 66% of cases complete recovery occurred. All the underlying obstetrical causes, when adjusted for age, gravidity, place and mode of delivery, had no association with persistent renal failure. Conclusion: Primary postpartum hemorrhage is the predominant cause of pregnancy related acute kidney injury. By the end of 12 weeks postpartum, two third patients recover completely from pregnancy related acute renal injury.