Elderly hospitalized patients are at high risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI). In this Review, Alexandra Chronopoulos and colleagues discuss the reasons for the increased risk of AKI in this patient group, including age-related changes in the kidney, systemic vasculature, and immunological system, as well as frequent comorbidities and high exposure to iatrogenic insults such as medications, radiocontrast agents, and surgery. The difficulties of treating AKI in older individuals are also described, and the importance of early diagnosis is emphasized.
- Alexandra Chronopoulos
- Dinna N. Cruz
- Claudio Ronco
