Understanding the Impact of AKI in England: Key Findings from the AKI Annual Report

The AKI Annual Report, a comprehensive analysis spearheaded by the UK Renal Registry (UKRR), offers an in-depth look at the state of acute kidney injury (AKI) across England. This latest report is particularly noteworthy, not only for its detailed findings but also for its extensive data coverage—98% of laboratories across England contributed, compared to 87% in the initial 2020 report. This near-complete coverage provides a more accurate and reliable picture of the incidence and impact of AKI on the English population.

Key Findings of the Report

1. Prevalence and Demographics

   • In 2022, over half a million people in England experienced at least one episode of AKI.

   • The majority of these cases (68.6%) were community-acquired, occurring outside the hospital, often diagnosed within 48 hours of hospital admission.

   • The average age of individuals with AKI was 73.9 years, with a slight female predominance (51.9% female vs. 48.1% male).

   • AKI incidence was higher in deprived areas (23%) compared to affluent regions (17%).

2. Stages and Outcomes

   • Most AKI cases (70%) did not progress beyond stage 1, indicating a less severe impact for the majority of patients.

   • Despite this, AKI remains a significant contributor to hospital admissions and is associated with substantial mortality rates, particularly for more severe cases.

3. Hospital Stays and Mortality

   • Patients with AKI had longer hospital stays, especially those admitted as emergencies (13 days) compared to planned admissions (10 days).

   • The risk of death within 30 days of an AKI episode increased with the severity of AKI, from 13% for stage 1 to 35% for stage 3.

   • Mortality was higher among patients who developed AKI in the hospital, with more deaths occurring during the winter months.
      

Geographical Variations and Challenges The report underscores persistent geographical disparities in AKI rates across England, even after adjusting for age and sex. These variations suggest that local healthcare practices, resource availability, and socio-economic factors significantly influence AKI outcomes.

Looking Ahead Despite advancements in data collection and a deeper understanding of AKI’s impact, the overall rates of AKI and associated mortality have remained unchanged since 2018. This stagnation highlights the urgent need for improved prevention, detection, and management strategies for AKI. Enhancing these aspects remains a national priority to reduce the burden of AKI on individuals and the healthcare system.

For healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers, the AKI Annual Report is an invaluable resource, offering the most up-to-date information on AKI rates and outcomes. The UKKA’s data portal provides continuous access to the latest AKI statistics, supporting ongoing efforts to combat this critical health issue.

Download the full AKI report patient summary here.

Stay Informed For the most current information on AKI rates and mortality, visit the UKKA data portal. Continuous updates ensure that healthcare providers and policymakers are equipped with the knowledge needed to tackle AKI effectively.