PATIENTS admitted to hospital during the coronavirus pandemic should be assessed and monitored for acute kidney injury (AKI).
New guidance from NICE, aimed at those who are not kidney specialists, highlights the increased risk of AKI in COVID-19 patients.
It urges clinicians to be vigilant and to maintain body fluid levels.
It states: "It is important that patients are assessed for AKI on admission to hospital or transfer, monitored for AKI throughout their stay and AKI is managed appropriately if it develops.
"If body fluid levels are low and fluid needs cannot be met through drinking or via a feeding tube, patients should be given fluid via an intravenous (IV) drip.
"If AKI is worsening, or has not resolved after 48 hours, patients should be referred to a specialist."
The guidance encourages healthcare professionals to discuss the risks, benefits and likely treatment outcomes with COVID-19 patients, and to use any available decision support tools. All discussions should be clearly documented.
- Read the guidance here
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
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