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Acute kidney injury risk factor recognition in three teaching hospitals in Ethiopia

Lowri Angharad Phillips, Nicholas Allen, Bethan Phillips, Ammanuel Abera, Ermias Diro, Stephen Riley, Yewondwossen Tadesse, John Williams, Aled Owain Phillips

Abstract


Background. A key objective of the Nephrology Sister Centre Programme between the renal units in Cardiff and Addis Ababa, sponsored by the International Society of Nephrology, is to facilitate development of the local clinical service in Ethiopia specifically focused on the management of acute kidney injury (AKI). 

Objectives. To examine the relationship between AKI risk factor recognition and monitoring of renal function in three hospitals in Ethiopia. 

Methods. Cross-sectional data were gathered regarding renal function monitoring, recording the presence of AKI risk-associated comorbidities and prescription of nephrotoxic medications across the disciplines of medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology. 

Results. Patients were more likely to have their renal function checked at the hospital with specialist services. Across all centres, the highest proportion of patients who had renal function measurements were those admitted to a medical ward. There was a positive relationship between documented comorbidities and the measurement of renal function but not between the prescription of nephrotoxic drugs and measurement of renal function. 

Conclusion. There was great variability in the extent to which doctors recognised the presence of risk factors for the development of AKI. Failure to identify these risk factors represents a lost opportunity to identify patients at high risk of developing renal injury who would benefit from renal function monitoring.


Authors' affiliations

Lowri Angharad Phillips, Institute of Nephrology, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales, UK

Nicholas Allen, Institute of Nephrology, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales, UK

Bethan Phillips, Institute of Nephrology, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales, UK

Ammanuel Abera, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia

Ermias Diro, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia

Stephen Riley, Institute of Nephrology, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales, UK

Yewondwossen Tadesse, Renal Unit, Tikur Anbessa Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

John Williams, Institute of Nephrology, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales, UK

Aled Owain Phillips, Institute of Nephrology, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales, UK

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Keywords

AKI; Risk; Renal

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2013;103(6):413-418. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.6424

Article History

Date submitted: 2012-10-19
Date published: 2013-04-15

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