Acute Kidney Injury in the Kimberley
Chronic Kidney Disease is a significant health problem that disproportionately affects the rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. Acute Kidney Injury is a sudden drop in kidney function that can happen with any kind of significant illness and can increase the risk of developing later Chronic Kidney Disease. Prior to this study there were no reports on the frequency or causes of Acute Kidney Injury in Aboriginal populations.
We found that Acute Kidney Injury in the Kimberley Aboriginal population occurred at a young age, and that skin and urinary infections were among the most frequent diagnoses in people who had had an Acute Kidney Injury. This was very different to the patterns seen with Acute Kidney Injury in Australia more generally. Early detection and appropriate management of Acute Kidney Injury can reduce the risk of later Chronic Kidney Disease. Reducing complications from Acute Kidney Injury requires a collaborative approach between primary care, hospitals and environmental health services to provide good health services, support healthy environments and keep kidneys healthy.
Mohan JV, Atkinson DN, Rosman JB, Griffiths EK. Acute kidney injury in Indigenous Australians in the Kimberley: age distribution and associated diagnoses. Med J Aust 2019.