Physics

Internal medicine

Pediatrics

Thrombotic microangiopathy

Disease

Incidence (geometry)

Complication

Biology

Optics

Obstetrics

Intensive care medicine

Preeclampsia

Acute kidney injury

Pregnancy

HELLP syndrome

Genetics

Medicine

Frontiers in Medicine

Acute kidney injury that occurs during pregnancy or in the post-partum period (PR-AKI) is a serious obstetric complication with risk of significant associated maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Recent data indicates that the incidence of PR-AKI is increasing, although accurate calculation is limited by the lack of a uniform diagnostic criteria that is validated in pregnancy. Hypertensive and thrombotic microangiopathic disorders of pregnancy have been identified as major contributors to the burden of PR-AKI. As is now accepted regarding preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, it is believed that PR-AKI may have long-term renal, cardiovascular and neurocognitive consequences that persist beyond the post-partum period. Further research regarding PR-AKI could be advanced by the development of a pregnancy-specific validated definition and classification system; and the establishment of refined animal models that would allow researchers to further elucidate the mechanisms and sequelae of the disorder.

Acute Kidney Injury in Pregnancies Complicated With Preeclampsia or HELLP Syndrome