Examination of Acute Kidney Injury Aetiology and Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria

Acute kidney injury in critically ill patients is associated with significant in-hospital mortality and long-term renal morbidity, and the aetiological profile and outcomes in intensive care settings in North West Nigeria have not been analytically examined. This study examines the aetiology, staging, dialysis requirement, and outcomes of acute kidney injury among critically ill adult patients at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, North West Nigeria. A prospective cohort design is applied over a 12-month study period, enrolling all adult ICU admissions who develop AKI based on KDIGO criteria. Serial serum creatinine values, urine output, and clinical course data are collected. Aetiology is classified as septic, cardiorenal, nephrotoxic, or obstructive. The SOFA score quantifies multiorgan dysfunction. Renal recovery at 90 days is assessed in survivors. Logistic regression in SPSS identifies predictors of ICU mortality and renal non-recovery. Available critical care nephrology literature from North West Nigeria identifies septic AKI as accounting for over 55 percent of AKI in ICU settings, with KDIGO stage 3 AKI carrying ICU mortality rates exceeding 50 percent in resource-limited critical care environments. The KDIGO Clinical Practice Guidelines for AKI provide the staging and management reference. Findings will support the institution's critical care unit in implementing AKI bundles and peritoneal dialysis pathways. Keywords: acute kidney injury, KDIGO, intensive care, Zaria, North West Nigeria.