Abstract
BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication in pregnancy, resulting in significant maternal and fetal morbidity/mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of pregnancy-related AKI (PRAKI) in a North Indian population, and its contributing factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was carried out at the department of obstetrics and gynecology in collaboration with the nephrology unit and internal medicine department at King George Medical University from June 2019 to October 2020. After informed consent and ethical clearance, a total of 150 PRAKI women were enrolled, and 98 women were subjected to renal replacement therapy as per Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes 2012 guideline and were followed for 3 months for renal and fetomaternal outcome. RESULTS: There was a high incidence (1.02%) of AKI during pregnancy and puerperium. Majority (57.3%) of the women were aged 26-30 years, and 93.3% had institutional deliveries. About 49% of the women suffering from PRAKI were multipara, and most were identified in the postpartum period (82%). Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (48%), puerperal sepsis (45%), and hemorrhage (34%) were the associated causes for PRAKI. Stillbirth/intrauterine death (IUD) was higher in Stage II (53.8%) and Stage III AKI (37.7%) (none in Stage I AKI). The majority of the neonates were born with a birth weight of ≤2500 g irrespective of the stages of AKI. Preterm deliveries were significantly higher in Stage II AKI (53.8%) than in Stage I (33.3%) and Stage III (20.0%). Thirty-seven cases of PRAKI were managed conservatively, while 98 required dialysis. Complete recovery occurred in 27.3% and partial renal recovery in 31.3%. However, 3.3% progressed to chronic kidney disease, 34% expired, and 4% were lost to follow-up. High maternal mortality of 30.1% was observed in those dialyzed. CONCLUSION: AKI is associated with fetal growth restriction and preterm deliveries. Stillbirth/IUD is higher in Stage II and Stage III AKI.