AKI is usually treated successfully. You may need to be followed up by the hospital medical team or your GP to monitor whether your kidney function returns to normal. It is essential that you keep an eye on your health, should you become unwell you should follow the sick day rules outlined overleaf.
Whilst in hospital your doctor will keep you informed of your progress. Once discharged you and your GP should receive information regarding your hospital stay including diagnosis of AKI, medication review plan for any medications withheld and a plan for blood test monitoring. A dietician may see you if your doctor feels you need specific dietary advice.
In some patients kidney function doesn’t fully recover after AKI. In a very small minority of AKI patients there is significant damage to the kidneys and they need dialysis or, if suitable, kidney transplantation.
Dialysis removes waste products, which have accumulated due to AKI, from the blood using a machine. Dialysis may initially be performed daily or 3 times per week. Blood is removed from the body via a tube in a large vein (inserted under local anaesthetic) and passed through a machine which cleans the blood and then returns it to the body.
Alternatively, a tube is placed in your abdomen that enables toxins and extra fluid to be removed.
You must follow the sick day guidance when you are unwell with any of the following: